A WEYMOUTH concert is set to celebrate a talented musician and 'amazing friend' whilst raising vital funds for mental health.

Rock for Riley will take place at The Bay Theatre at Weymouth College on the evening of Thursday, May 25.

The event is in memory of the 'much-loved' Riley Ellis, who tragically took his own life aged just 17 in August of last year.

The Weymouth teenager was a popular music student and played guitar in a local band, The Haze, at the time of his death last summer.

Rock for Riley is set to celebrate his life whilst raising awareness of the support out there for those struggling.

All money raised will go to Young Minds UK, a charity supporting young people with their mental health.

More than 140 tickets have been sold so far for the concert, with the theatre able to hold just over 200 people.

Three bands are set to perform on the night: The Haze, Rossco (and Co.), and the student band, while there will be a programme available on Riley's life.

His younger brother Alfie, 13, will be performing a song with The Haze at the concert, and is also embarking on a 13.5 mile run in memory of his brother and close friend Trey Rodd, from Weymouth, who also sadly took his own life last year.

Riley's dad Mike told the Dorset Echo that the concert shows just how much his son was appreciated at the college.

"When your child goes to college and comes home you do not hear a massive amount from them - but I think he really was liked and it is quite overwhelming what people are willing to do to go that extra mile," he said.

“It is going to be an emotional night but I want people to hear Riley’s music. He would say: ‘let’s fill that place and have it’.

“Riley loved his music, loved his band, and the fact they [the college] are doing something like this, it’s nice to hear.”

Mike added that he hoped the concert would raise much-needed awareness about the help available for those struggling with their mental health.

"Something needs to be done. We had no idea, not the slightest inkling that Riley was struggling at all," he said.

"And I think parents need to know that it is not obvious. I thought he was living his best life at the time, recording his music, playing in the band. He clearly wasn't. And we weren’t a family who did not communicate.

“You can say to your friends: ‘look, I’m struggling here mate’. 'Macho man' has gone – talk to someone, talk to your parents; they’re not the enemy, they’re on your side.”

Lead singer of The Haze and Riley’s best friend, Llewan Matthews, 19, said that his mate’s legacy will live on through the band’s music.

Mike encouraged the group to stay together after Riley’s tragic death as they still have some ‘amazing songs’ to release.

The Haze plans to release its new album – Chasing Lullabies – after the concert, which will contain songs featuring Riley’s pre-recorded guitar notes.

“I will always remember Riley as being a really cool guy – friendly, caring to everyone and he deserves to be remembered for being a great musician and an amazing friend,” Llewan said.

“It is really important that people know there is help out there and you do not have to be in it alone.”

There is a possibility that Rock for Riley could become an annual event, he added, to ensure the teenager is celebrated every year. 

To book tickets, visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/thebaytheatre/rock-for-riley/e-rkylye