A theatre group sent off an old friend in style by hosting two concerts in his memory and raising money for charity.

The production, called It's Today -- A Celebration of Life -- in Memory of Peter Riley, sold out on both nights of its run at Southampton City College.

And all the money raised will go to the Smile4Rich campaign, which aims to buy a new ambulance for the neurological unit at Southampton General Hospital.

It was there that 47-year-old Peter Riley died from brain injuries after falling down a flight of stairs last year. After his death his partner, John Abrahams, decided to hold the concert and friends from the Southampton Musical Society offered to help in Peter's memory.

Smile4Rich was set up following the death of Locks Heath teenager Richard Bowler who suffered a brain haemorrhage while at football training in July 2002. He also died at the neurological unit of Southampton General Hospital.

Speaking about the concerts, Mr Abraham's friend Anna Chalk said they were a huge success.

"We took all the best bits from Hollywood and the West End and included them in the show. We sold out all of our 178 seats and there were more arriving. Every penny we make goes to the neurological unit."

The line-up included songs like What Can You Give a Nudist For Her Birthday and John Abrahams did a Noel Coward sketch based on Mavis Enderby.

Mrs Chalk said: "After all the work preparing the event it was just nice to actually relax and know that we had in some way helped John and the Smile4Rich appeal."