BEN Williams was a young man who loved a variety of music, always singing along to something from R&B to the charts.

Sadly, the 21-year-old from Ilkley took his own life in July 2014.

But now, in a fitting tribute to this popular young man, his friends and family have organised Ben's Band-a-Thon, which takes place at the Hollygarth Social Club in Ilkley on May 28.

Ben’s parents, Emma Walker and Kevin Williams, with the help of their friend, Lisa Brooks Smith, have organised the music extravaganza in his memory to raise funds to support the work of national charity PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide.

The open outdoor stage afternoon event, from 2pm to 7pm, is free to attend and features bands including Elysium, Tunnel and Demoralise.

The event moves to the indoor stage from 7pm to midnight for an over-18s ticketed event, with another great selection of local talent that includes The Big Picture, The Elephant Trees and The Swill.

All the artists are local to Ilkley and donating their time and talent. Some have appeared in past Battle of the Bands events. The music will represent a vast range of hits, from Oasis, The Killers, Artic Monkeys, T Rex, Kaiser Chiefs and more.

Tickets for the evening event are just £7.50 and include a pie and peas supper, with the opportunity to bag some fabulous raffle prizes. They include Ripon Race tickets, a signed Manchester United pennant, Bradford City tickets, DVDs signed by Al Murray and Bruce Foxton from The Jam; a 43in Smart TV; cinema, Flamingo Land and Live 4 Today tickets and more.

“Suicide is the main cause of death in young people under 35," said Ottilie Scanlon, PAPYRUS fundraising assistant. "Suicide can happen to any family and, sadly, it happens too often. But there is hope and there is help. I want to raise awareness and support the wonderful work PAPYRUS does, delivering practical help and support to suicidal young people and anyone who is worried that a young person they know is not coping with life.

“Emma and Kevin’s support will help us to reach out to more young people who may be struggling. We rely heavily on donations to maintain our HOPELineUK helpline services and are hugely appreciative of Emma’s dedication in memory of Ben."

Book your Ben’s Band-a-Thon tickets now from the Hollygarth Social Club in Ilkley on 01943 432015.

HOPELineUK 0800 0684141, text 07786 209 697 or e-mail pat@papyrus-uk.org for practical help and suicide prevention advice.