AN Accrington pub will next week hold its annual 'Half Way to Christmas' charity event in support of the fund dedicated to the memory of James Bulger.

The Liverpool toddler was murdered in 1993 by two ten-year-old boys, Robert Thompson.

The Arden Inn in Abbey Street will give the money raised by the event on Saturday July 21 to For James - The James Bulger Memorial Foundation, the charity run by the late two-year-old's mother Denise and her husband Stuart.

The organisation has a static caravan in Ribby Hall near Blackpool where families of children who have been victims of crime or suffered bullying can go for a free holiday.

The charity also campaigns to benefit and support young people who are disadvantaged by reason of having become a part of bereavement, a victim of crime, hatred or bullying and to reward those who are judged to have shown exemplary conduct, making a positive contribution to the welfare of others, or society in general.

Starting at 4pm the 'Half Way to Christmas' event features 80s tribute band Radioactive and indie band The Recycled Teenagers.

Landlord Andrew Jackson said: "The pub will be decorated for Christmas and it will snow.

"Cash will be raised by a raffle of gifts donated by local businesses and boxing gloves signed by the Smith brothers, boxers from Liverpool.

"Also on the day the mother of James Bulger, Denise Fergus, and her husband Stuart and their family will hopefully be in Accrington at The Arden.

"We ask all customers to come in Christmas fancy dress."