COLLEAGUES of a man who was shot dead in a Thornton Heath pub on New Year's Day are holding a football match in his memory.

Staff from Amicus Horizon, a housing organisation based in Croydon, will be taking part in the game on fields behind Christie Drive, in Woodside, on July 16.

It is being held in memory of Darren Deslandes, who was killed in front of his family in the Newton Arms pub on Queens Road.

The team of workmates will be playing against a side representing Amicus Horizon Croydon Youth Forum – a group of young people aged 16 to 25 who live in properties run by the organisation.

The winning team will be presented with a trophy, named after Darren, by his mum, Lurline. Darren's younger brother, James, is also expected to play in the match, which kicks off at 6.30pm.

Althea Callum, who worked with Darren, says the match will honour a "valued member of staff".

She added: "Darren was very much into football and involved with the youth.

"We want to hold this in his memory."