The family of Lochgelly man Sean Stark who was tragically murdered in the town have presented a cheque for £700 to Crimestoppers at Cowdenbeath Police Station.

On 31st May 2009 Sean Stark was tragically murdered in Lochgelly and last month saw the first anniversary of his death. Since then his family have organised various charity events in Lochgelly with a view to raising public awareness of knife crime.

Over the course of these events the family raised £700 and approached Chief Inspector Ross Bennet with a view to donating the money to the independent charity Crimestoppers.

Kate Johnston, Crimestoppers National Manager said: "We are really grateful for the family's donation. It be put to good use and will make a real difference in helping to educate young people in Cowdenbeath and throughout Fife that they must not carry knives and the devastating effects on them and their friends if they do."

Cowdenbeath Area Chief Inspector, Ross Bennet said: "Sean's family deserve great credit for the money they have raised, each charity event was a very emotional time for the family and the impact on them and the community is still significant.

"The family wanted to use the money to raise awareness of knife crime and to try and deter persons from carrying knives. The money they have raised will now be used by Crimestoppers to fund a campaign aimed to educate youths about the consequences of carrying knives and to highlight the devastation carrying them can cause"

Mary Stark, Sean's mum stated: " I would like to thank everyone for their support and kind donations that have allowed us to donate £700 to Crimestoppers. Losing Sean in such tragic circumstances has left a big hole in the family and I plead to people of all ages, please do not carry knives.

"I don't want another family going through what we have. I hope that raising awareness will encourage people to phone Crimestoppers or the local police with information about people carrying knives. Please help the Police to stop another family losing a loved one from knife crime."

Police in Cowdenbeath are continuing to highlight the excellent work of the charity Crimestoppers at every opportunity.

Crimestoppers can be contacted by calling 0800 555 111 where calls are received in complete anonymity  and you may be entitled to a community reward or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org where you can complete an anonymous form online and learn more about how Crimestoppers operate.