THE Berkeley community is being asked to warm up its vocal chords to help raise money in memory of two local boys.

The Boar’s Head is holding a karaoke competition this month to raise money for the Gazette’s meningitis campaign.

The pub, which is owned by June Stump, is already throwing its support behind a charity walk being organised by the Virgo family.

The 10-mile walk between Thornbury and Berkeley was launched last year in memory of 27-month-year-old Sam Virgo, who died of meningitis.

The Boar’s Head will again provide the finishing line for this year's walk being held on Saturday, May 2, but is also helping to boost funds by getting people singing.

There will be two elimination evenings for the competition on Friday, April 10 and Friday, April 17. The semi-final will be held on Saturday, April 25 and the final will be on Sunday, May 3.

The events will also raise money in memory of Douglas Stump, of Berkeley. He was a fit 17-year-old who played international hockey until he contracted meningitis in 1995 and died.

Ms Stump said: "We hope to raise money right up to the day of the walk. We are good friends of the Virgo family and Dougie Stump was my nephew so we wanted to do our bit to help raise as much money as possible for the charity."

To help raise as much cash as possible collection buckets will be out at the pub on each night of the competition, as well as the final where the winning performer will walk away with £100.

Entries for the karaoke competition must be made before 7pm on Friday, April 10 at the Boar’s Head.

Anyone still wishing to take part in the charity walk on May 2 should contact Rose Hardwick at Rose.hardwick@virgin.net