Villagers' lives could be saved thanks to the legacy of a big party held this summer to remember a much-loved Norfolk musician.

Friends, family and fans of live entertainment turned out in force in July for the memorial bash at Bullock Park, Shipdham, to celebrate the life of guitarist Bobby Secker.

Electrician Bobby died suddenly last year at 67 after decades of playing in bands across Norfolk and beyond, including Ye Highwaymen, his first outfit, Mississippi Delta, Stockpot, and Memphis Index, his last.

His widow Marlene has confirmed that more than �4,000 was raised at the memorial party and pledged that a whole host of good causes in the family's home village would receive a shareout.

'I was really, really shocked by the total but so pleased,' she added. 'Now I want everybody in the village to benefit from it.'

Marlene said the family's major hope was to provide an emergency defibrillator for Shipdham – possibly to be located at the park or at the primary school – to help anyone suffering a heart attack.

Donations had been agreed from the party proceeds to, among other groups and individuals, the local Royal British Legion branch, Shipdham United Church and the village playgroup, she added.

Marlene said the final estimate was that 1,000 people had turned up for the party, which included performances from many of Bobby's musician friends, and she thanked every one of them for making it such a memorable occasion.

She added: 'He would have been so chuffed – though he'd have said; 'What's all this fuss about me for?'

'But he deserved it: he would always be the first one to help with anything.'