Tragic cancer victim Robyn Brooks who touched the hearts of Bradford people, including pop star Gareth Gates, is to be remembered by an annual spring ball in the city.

Tickets are on sale now for the black tie and diamond event which will be at the Cedar Court Hotel in Rooley Lane, Bradford, on Saturday, April 23.

The event is being organised by Gareth's aunt Angie Tunnacliffe, of Queensbury, who is one of the trustees on the Robyn Brook's Appeal which was awarded charity status in February to help other child cancer victims battling the disease.

Eight-year-old Robyn died last year but not before inspiring fund raisers across the district to raise thousands of pounds to fight child cancer.

Bradford people are believed to have raised in the region of £100,000 so far.

Funds are now being used to help develop a website set up by Robyn's dad Garry to put anxious parents in direct contact with cancer specialists.

Eventually the family hope to open an advice and treatment centre for young cancer patients and their families based in Robyn's hometown of Rochdale.

But, in the meantime, they are using funds to help struggling families such as paying travelling expenses to and from vital treatments.

Robyn's plight was first featured in the Telegraph & Argus three years ago after the youngster, who had a rare form of cancer called neuroblastoma, left a message on Gareth's website.

The Gates family arranged a fundraising concert and other events to help send Robyn for treatment at a world-leading cancer centre in New York.

Her cancer spread and the treatment was in vain. She died on March 17 with her parents by her side.

Spring Ball organiser Angie said she hoped the ball next month would become an annual event and has appealed for businesses to donate prizes for a grand raffle.

Tickets for the ball cost £30 and include a three-course meal with entertainment.

Anyone who would like tickets or would like to support the event by donating prizes should contact either Angie on (01274) 816712 or telephone Maxine Ward on (01274) 225606.

For details of the Robyn Brook's Appeal visit www.robyn.brooks.co.uk.