THE family of a Chesham man who did so much to help put on events for the town's youngsters are to sponsor one of this year's Chesham Mayoral Awards.

Guitar teacher Rafe Chiles who died from a severe asthma attack in 2004 aged just 23, helped bring youngsters together by putting on music gigs in Amersham and Chesham after setting up a music promotions company, Ultimate Solution.

His family has now taken up the baton and are continuing to support musical events in the community, and will sponsor the Rafe Chiles Young Person's Award. The award recognises people aged up to 25 who have made a positive difference to the lives of young people in Chesham.

His mother Lesley said: "He put on gigs for young people in the area, which gave them somewhere to go and gave young bands somewhere to play. He gave to the community and gave young people a chance for somewhere to go.

"He was trying to find a venue for them and we want to continue that. He had a very strong driving energy. We are inspired by him but we haven't got his energy. He was extremely passionate about music."

Chesham Town Council, which is organising the awards, approached the family and asked if it would like the Young Person's Award to be named in Rafe's memory as a fitting tribute. "We were very touched by that suggestion," said Mrs Chiles.

Nominations for the Rafe Chiles Award - as well as the People's Award and the Business Award, which celebrate residents, businesses and retail outlets that have supported charitable work or demonstrated outstanding citizenship - are now being accepted by the town council.

All the awards will then be presented by the Mayor of Chesham, Merrin Molesworth, at the Annual Town Meeting on Thursday, May 15.