A long-lasting memorial to a Hexham teenager who died last year is beginning to take shape.

More than £2,500 has been raised towards a fire shelter in memory of 16-year-old Jack Cawood at Hexham Scout Group after the Scout leader, David Hefferin, started the fund-raising campaign.

He said: “The response from the local community has been incredible. Hundreds of people from Jack’s friends to former Scout members have all been helping out. It’s a really nice way to remember Jack.

“We’re keeping the fund-raiser open until the end of February, and looking to spend some of the extra money raised on paving and a picnic table.

“There’s around 90 children here at Hexham Scout Group so it’s a great all year round facility to have.”

Contractor Glen Todd is helping build the shelter and said work was expected to be finished by the end of next week.