Couple's legacy will 'inspire young musicians'

The family of a couple who died in a motorbike accident hopes "their legacy can live on" through a local music centre.

Andrew Lartey, 30, and Georgia Tate, 23, from Newcastle, were killed in a crash in the Scottish borders in July alongside Jason Gibbon, 37, from Northumberland.

The pair were musicians and, instead of flowers, Andrew Lartey's father Dez asked for donations to the North Tyneside Music Hub, where they helped young people.

Now, the fundraiser has reached its £10,000 target and Mr Lartey said it would be a "chink of light" if the money could "inspire young musicians".

Mr Lartey said the couple performed as a duo in the band Love Over Gold, while his son was also part of Dire Straits tribute act, The Straits UK.

Both helped young musicians at Traxx Studios, part of the the music hub, which provides free rehearsal space and coaching for young musicians.

Bobby Proctor, from Traxx Studios, said the money raised would give them "more of an opportunity fulfil more activities for youngsters in the music industry".

Laila, 14, who rehearses at the studios with her band Belladonna, said the funding could help her become a professional musician.

"We could even maybe get some recording equipment to help maybe record some songs of our own," she said.

Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].