A TRUST fund set up in memory of Thomas Standerline is helping his devastated family cope with his death.

Speaking for the first time since the 26-year-old died while working at Corus, his mother Laura said she hoped 'Tom's Trust' will help struggling local musicians fulfil their dreams.

Thomas, a keen guitarist, died while working at the steelworks on April 23.

Mrs Standerline said: "We will never be able to witness the development of Thomas' talents and musical knowledge.

"So we wish to be able to give any budding young musicians in North Lincolnshire a chance to further their own abilities.

"It is important to us to help by setting up this charitable fund named Tom's Trust.

"Young musicians up to the age of 26 will be able to apply for both practical and financial support. In turn we hope the trust will help us to cope with the tragic loss of our beloved Thomas."

So far, the trust has raised more than £3,000 – and more cash has been pledged.

Thomas' mother Laura, father Paul and sister Lois, 22, who live in Burton-Upon-Stather, will act as the trustees along with three more people who will be appointed within the next six weeks. That is when details of how people can apply will be published.

Tom's Trust was given its first massive boost by his fellow villagers in Burton when more than £2,000 was raised at his former local, The Sheffield Arms.

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Among musicians appearing in an eight-hour tribute concert were Sam Thornton, Kasha Willey, Rock Solid and Joshua.

Mrs Standerline said: "It was an absolutely staggering response and all our thanks go to the community of Burton, friends and family, the organisers and the performers."

She revealed her son was a long-time admirer of the late Texan guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan and he had taught himself to play the guitar four years ago.

She added: "Thomas really loved the blues and had researched the history of the music.

"He had seen Eric Clapton and BB King in concert and was due to see another of his idols Buddy Guy earlier this month.

"Thomas was never one to push his guitar-playing. He hid his light under a bushel and was unassuming."

Experts from the Health and Safety Executive this week continued their three-month probe into the cause of the death of Thomas, who was crushed as he was working on a crane in the continuous casting plant.