A RAINBOW of Christmas lights is to be created in memory of York backpacker Caroline Stuttle.

Funds from a raffle along with money raised at a funday in September will help pay for the festive feature which will hang in York's Coppergate Shopping Centre.

Caroline's mother, Marjorie Marks-Stuttle, said she was overwhelmed by the "wonderful tribute".

She said: "It brought me to tears. We have had such wonderful support from York and Yorkshire people who are so kind and so generous, and to have Caroline's memory brought to life in all the colours will be lovely."

Her 19-year-old daughter was travelling around Australia when she was thrown off a bridge in Bundaberg, Queensland. Heroin addict Ian Douglas Previte was jailed for life for her murder.

Following her death, Marjorie, her son, Richard, and husband, David Marks, formed the Caroline's Rainbow Foundation to highlight the importance of personal safety. Keith Mulhearn, manager of the Eboracum Legion Bathhouse, came up with the Christmas Rainbow idea after raising £300 at a fun day at St Sampson's Square.

Proceeds were destined for the Evening Press Make York Sparkle campaign to help York Business Pride raise £30,000 for the installation and maintenance of this year's Christmas lights.

When Nestl Rowntree donated the full £30,000, on top of £5,000 from City of York Council, York Business Pride and GNER, Keith thought about how to make more of his pot of donations. "We decided to make sure the money still went to the lights, but to something people would know," he said. The idea for Caroline's Christmas rainbow was born."

Keith is calling for more outlets to lend support by selling tickets for a raffle which is expected to be drawn in November with a rich choice of prizes.

It's hoped a rainbow can be created in time for this year's festivities and then used every Christmas - otherwise a tree with colourful lights will be put up instead for 2004.

Coppergate Shopping Centre manager Diana Golding has also invited Marjorie to switch on the centre's Christmas lights on November 13.

To sell raffle tickets or offer prizes phone Keith Mulhearn on 07931-668935.

Tables are still available for a black-tie ball at York Racecourse on November 6, in aid of Caroline's Rainbow Foundation.

Phone 01759 304425 for more details.

Updated: 09:58 Monday, October 25, 2004