SUPPORTERS including a former Southampton footballer have gathered to promote a specialist festival led by BBC DJ Trevor Nelson.

The soul and hip-hop presenter is set to perform at Bradfest, held on September 5 at Woodlands Park in Otterbourne, to help raise funds and awareness for the Bradley's Foundation.

The charity supports the Teenage Cancer Trust which is appealing to fund a new 10-bed young adult cancer ward at Southampton General Hospital.

Former Southampton captain Jason Dodd is among the festival's backers.

Mr Nelson will star alongside Charley Macaulay, The Novatones, plus tribute act the Strolling Stones.

So far £12,000 has been raised from the festival.

Tina Dine is a Trustee of Bradleys Foundation. She was helped to set up the trust after the death of her son Bradley, who died in 2000, in order to support other young people with life-changing illnesses.

She said: “Thornden School Year 10 business pupils have done an incredible job in organising aspects of Bradfest. They've worked with me for six months to help organise Bradfest 2015 and yet again, Bradley's Foundation has been overwhelmed at the generosity and support of our community and local company and Radio sponsorship. James Hilling has also got behind the project to escalate awareness.”

The event this year promises seven hours of live music and entertainment across a main stage, live lounge, with numerous stalls and will once again be a more intimate affair with only 500 tickets available.