FAMILIES turned out in force to back efforts to raise money in memory of school minibus victim Jasmine Allen.

A packed programme of events was laid on in Crumlin over the weekend by the Patriots Motorcycle Club, who took part in the procession at Jasmine's funeral earlier this month.

A two-day music extravaganza was held at the club's base, the Patriot pub, and on the first day £1,000 was raised.

Club members also collected toys, and on Sunday they drove up in a convoy to the Children's Hospital in Cardiff to deliver them and hand over the money.

Denzel Connick, of the Patriots, said: "The response was fantastic and just goes to show how much Jasmine was loved.

"The event was free and the bands performed for free, so all the money raised was from people giving donations or taking part in the raffles.

"We were amazed when we counted up all the money from Saturday, and there will be more to hand over from Sunday.

"We'd like to say a big thank-you to everyone who made it a success."

The club got involved with Jasmine's family after they invited members to take part in her funeral procession as she loved to wave to them when they rode past her house in Hafodyrynys.

The club also worked with the family when members decided to stage the weekend's event in her honour.

Denzil said: "It's been a privilege to do something for Jasmine."

Jasmine, aged 12, died on May 16 when the minibus in which she was travelling to Newbridge Comprehensive School was in collision with a car on Hafodyrynys Road. Nine other children in the minibus and two adults on board were injured.

The driver of the minibus was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving after the crash but later released on police bail. A second man was also arrested and bailed.