A FUND set up in memory of a seven-year-old steam enthusiast at an open air attraction has reached nearly £3,000.

Karl Doran, from Darlington, died at Beamish Museum, near Stanley, County Durham, in July, after apparently falling from a traction engine driven by his father, Phillip.

He suffered head injuries and died at the scene.

A campaign was launched to raise £500 to fund a memorial to the Whinfield Primary School pupil, who regularly volunteered at the museum.

The campaign, set up by Andrew Barnes, last night stood at £2,920 and had attracted more than 220 donations.

The money will be used to help young enthusiasts learn about working steam engines.

After Karl’s death, his father and mother, Karen Bolam, from Darlington, said he was their “little prince of steam.”

They said: "Karl was never happier than when he was at Beamish and we take some small comfort from knowing that he died doing something he loved.”

Donate at justgiving.com/karldoranmemorial