A CELEBRATION event remembered the life of a 17-year-old boy who was stabbed to death last month.

James Laurie died in hospital after being stabbed in the chest during an incident in Southampton on January 9.

Formerly of Bacup, James had lived there until recently but did not have any family in the borough and had previously been in care.

To celebrate his life his former partner and close friend Nicole Leigh Walker organised an event at The Waterloo pub and to raise money so people could travel to Southampton for his funeral.

Miss Walker said: "James' death came as a shock to everyone, to know we won’t be able to be around his loving bubbly character again is heartbreaking.

"People from all different areas have been affected in their own war regarding his passing.

"It’s had a huge impact on everyone.

"No ones deserves to lose their life caused by another person. It’s devastating to know James didn’t even reach 18, never had the chance to drive, have children, the things people take most granted in life."

The event included a raffle, a DJ as well as fireworks and balloons.

There were also wristbands and t-shirts with James' face printed.

Miss Walker, a nursery worker, said: "The celebration night went really well, everyone paid their respects and had a good chat about times of James' life, his nickname was ‘Scarz’, that was his preferred name."

A 15-year-old boy accused of murdering James appeared in crown court last month.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Winchester Crown Court facing an allegation of murder and another of being in possession of a bladed article.

The boy, from Andover, appeared before Judge Keith Cutler.

No plea was entered during the hearing, but the teenager is expected to brought back to the same court on March 25 to enter his plea.

Following James’ death the family have paid tribute to him.

In a statement, issued through Hampshire Constabulary, the family said: "We will miss you and your cheeky smile forever.

"You were full of life. We will always think of you. Sleep tight now."

Friends of James also paid tribute to James, who has been described as an “outgoing and funny” friend, who loved his music and rapping.

A spokesman on behalf of his friends said: "He loved his rapping, we were only about 12-years-old when he got me into rapping and I’ve never stopped since then.

“We had a lot of memories when we were younger he was a proper good spirit to be around."