Generous Bermudians have donated thousands of dollars towards a trust fund in the name of slain teenager Rebecca Middleton.

The Rebecca Middleton Scholarship Trust was established in the Canadian girl's home town on Belleville, Ontario.

But local dentist Dr. Ian Campbell started local fundraising -- which has netted $23,000 since last Friday.

"We have a year's mandate but once I see the level of donations dropping off I might stop, however I will make sure people know the address in Canada where donations can be made,'' said Dr. Campbell.

Ms Middleton's body was discovered in the early hours of Wednesday, July 3, on Ferry Road. She had been stabbed.

Last Saturday two men, Justis Raham Smith and Kirk Orlando Mundy, appeared before a special sitting of Magistrates' Court charged in connection with her murder.

"There have been three anonymous donations totalling more than $1,000 each and I would say that the appeal is doing reasonably well to date.

"It seems as if Bermudians have been touched by Rebecca's death,'' added Dr.

Campbell.

He said he was prompted into organising the local fundraising because Ms Middleton was a guest on the Island. In the future Dr. Campbell said he would like to see a Rebecca Middleton fund set up in Bermuda.

"This is merely a token gesture to show that we care and show that we can think about Rebecca's death.

"Ultimately I would like to see a fund established for Bermuda. Ultimately we need to have something set up here so we remember Rebecca Middleton,'' added Dr. Campbell.

The news came as top DJ Paul Sofianos announced plans to raise at least $4,000 for the trust in a weekend music extravaganza.

Mr. Sofianos, who presents the afternoon show on Mix106, said he and a group of friends were sitting together when the scholarship idea was announced.

He said: "We were just appalled that this had happened. This is a way of showing that Bermuda cares, despite what the Canadian press have been saying.'' Hamilton nightclub Oasis have offered the use of the Rock Room free of charge for the fundraiser on Sunday, July 28.

And top Bermuda bands have lined up to give their time to raise the maximum amount of cash.

Mr. Sofianos -- who runs one-off charity fundraising body Rhythm of Life Foundation with friend Jonathan Dobson -- said: "I'd like to urge the public to come out in force. It will be a very good night in a very good cause.

Among the acts already confirmed are Shaky Ground, the Kennel Boys, Seventh Heaven, the Wharf Tavern Jam Band, Highway and Last Rites.

Mr. Sofianos said: "All the money off the door and a raffle will go to the fund. And Oasis management have also promised a cash donation.'' Cheques should be made out to the Rebecca Middleton Scholarship Trust and can be sent to PO Box DV 591, Devonshire DV BX.

MURDER MUR