A LASTING memorial to a popular teenager will give youngsters a place to hang out.

Friends of Tom Dowdney, who died in a car crash, dedicated a bench in Southill, Weymouth, to his mem-ory a year after his death.

They had spent months fundraising and raised well over £1,000 for two benches next to Southill youth club.

Tom's parents Michael and Sue, his brother Sam and extended families, met his friends from the youth club for the bench dedication.

Tom, of Chickerell Road, Weymouth, was killed in a car accident on October 14, 2003, which was just a month after his 18th birthday.

He was a passenger when a Ford Escort and a Vauxhall Astra crashed on the Weymouth to Bridport coast road. About 500 people packed into his funeral.

His dad Mick Dowdney said the dedication went well, but was a difficult time for the family. He said: "We have been very, very moved from day one when we had Tom's funeral. The youngsters were just so sincere and the response ever since has been absolutely amazing.

"My thanks go to Lindsay Drage and her family for all their arranging and sorting out to make this possible and to all who gave to the appeal."

Mrs Drage, whose son Gary was a close friend of Tom, said: "The young people suggested the bench because there is not really anywhere for them to sit in Southill."

The rustic oak bench cost about £700 and there was enough money left over for a second bench and shelter behind the youth club.