A MEMORIAL evening to remember a pensioner who was found in the River Dee has taken place.

The evening was held in remembrance of Colin Purton, who was discovered in the River Dee on June 6 after he was reported missing two weeks prior from Penyffordd.

Around 40 of his friends and acquaintances, mostly from Castell Alun Cricket Club, gathered at The White Lion pub in Hope on Saturday, October 12, to remember Mr Purton, as well as help raise money for North East Wales Search and Rescue, who carried out the searches for Mr Purton earlier this year.

More than £300 was raised at the event.

Phil Lloyd, groundsman and chief fundraiser for Castell Alun Cricket Club, said: “The idea for this night was sort of a mixed bag between those who knew Colin as a former Chairman of the club, and Andrew Farrow, the Head of Planning at Flintshire County Council.

“We wanted to have the opportunity to all get together and remember Colin, who was a lovely guy, and also raise money to help the Search and Rescue team as well.

“We held a raffle and auction, and it was just a great night in all really.

“We’ve made a promise and a commitment to keep this event going in future years so that we can remember Colin, and next year we plan on doing a sponsored walk on the anniversary of Colin’s disappearance.

“It’s horrible to think that we may never know what really happened to him that day, but we should remember him, and we will, because everyone loved Colin, there was no reason for anyone to ever dislike him.”

A spokesperson from North East Wales Search and Rescue said: “On Saturday night team members were invited to an evening in the White Lion in Hope where the community had come together to remember Colin Purton and raise money for NEWSAR. The team carried out extensive searches for Colin earlier this year.

“With particular thanks to Castell Alun Cricket Club, The Flat Irons (band) and Phil and Jan at the White Lion.

“A total of £321.00 was raised.”