A NIGHT of poetry in a pub will be held in memory of a 19-year-old girl who was killed in a car accident in Zambia.

Poems will be read at the Rose and Crown pub, in Charlbury, on Monday next week, in an evening dedicated to Cecily Eastwood.

Proceeds from the event, which starts at 8pm, will go to Cecily's Fund - a charity which was set up by her parents, Basil and Alison Eastwood.

The family is based in Stonesfield, but travelled extensively, and Cecily attended school around the world, including Sudan.

She was in Zambia on a gap year in 1997, and was working with children who had been orphaned by Aids.

The fund continues this work by supporting the education of children who have lost one or both parents to AIDS-related illnesses.

By paying for uniforms, shoes, books, administration, and exam fees, Cecily's Fund ensures that more than 11,000 vulnerable children are able to access their right to education.

The charity also enables a number of orphaned school-leavers to train as teachers and health educators.

The night will feature readings of poems by the audience, competing for best poem prize.

The Rime of the Ancient Mariner will be recited.

Mr Eastwood said: "The format of poems in a pub has been successful in Brussels, Richmond, Godalming, and at Stonesfield's Black Head, and is popular with unpublished poets, people who like to recite their favourite poems, and lovers of good ale."

The event is free, and participants are invited to contribute to Cecily's Fund on the evening.