The spirit of a 'wonderful young man' who died tragically in summer, will live on thanks to an award in his memory.

The Joe Medforth Challenge Award will be given to a student or group of students who help change the culture in communities where violence and anti-social behaviour is the norm.

Joe, a 21-year-old psychology student, died following an alleged street attack on July 17, in Garstang Road, Preston.

He attended the University of Central Lancashire and worked part-time as a volunteer supporting drug users.

The award is the brainchild of his colleagues in the university's volunteer department.

Ali Melling, volunteer coordinator, said: "Joe was a wonderful young man who will be greatly missed and the aim of this award is to help ensure the good work he did will never be forgotten.

"We don't want his life to be wasted and want something positive to come out of what's happened. Joe's life is not going to be forgotten."

The move has been welcomed by Joe's family, parents Albert and Susan, and sister Laura, who live in Ryther, near Tadcaster, North Yorkshire.

Mr Medforth said: "We think it's marvellous, it's really touching that the university are doing this.

"Obviously Joe's death came as a shock to us. He was a very quiet young man who was very thoughtful and it's amazing to think that he will be forever remembered."

Mrs Medforth said: "He was the sweetest and gentlest person you could ever wish to know and was loved by so many people which is a huge comfort."

She said they did not find out about all the good work he did until after his death. "We were so surprised by all the things he was doing," she said.

"We didn't know about it, he just got on with his life quietly but did a lot to help people too.

"But we can't bear him not being here, being a part of us. We want him to come home. It's a great loss."

The award, funded through the Higher Education Active Community Fund, will be presented at the end of each academic year in June, just weeks before the anniversary of his death.

Mrs Melling said: "It is all about changing culture because culture is the thing that breeds violence."

Two men are currently in custody charged with his murder.