A special concert is to be staged at the Abergavenny Borough Theatre this February in honour of Lewis Smith.

Last Sunday was the anniversary of the tragic loss of the 21 year old Abergavenny rugby giant second row forward, who died suddenly after a match between Abergavenny Quins and Gwernyfed at Talgarth. 

Lewis's loss has been felt deeply by all associated with him in the town and particularly at Abergavenny RFC, where over the past year a number of events have been held to remember the former player with affection.

Last May, a memorial game was played in honour of Lewis and raised over £1100 for charity.

A tree has also been planted and a bench has also been installed in Bailey Park in memory of Lewis.

In addition a memorial game held last Boxing Day at Gwernyfed RFC will now become an annual event with Abergavenny and Gwernyfed taking it in turns to stage the match which raised over £400 for charity in gate receipts.

Consequently, bonds between the clubs have grown strong on and off the playing field.

Abergavenny Close Harmony Chorus, Synergy, rehearse at Abergavenny RFC and The Talgarth Male Voice Choir rehearse at Gwernyfed RFC, and will both perform in a special variety concert for charity being held at Abergavenny Borough Theatre on the eve of Wales's clash against England in the Six Nations.

By coincidence both choirs met in Cornwall in an International competition last April and both decided that a concert could be organised to raise funds for charity.

The two choirs will be joined by a host of local talent including harpist Charlotte Poulter, comedy poet Graham.J. Evans, folk band Broadside, Elvis and The Memphis Mafia and a sketch from Abergavenny RFC.

There will also be special video messages from the Welsh rugby squad and Scott Quinnell, together with a slide show remembering Lewis's life.

All proceeds from the event will be donated to Lewis's parents Karina and Ricky's chosen charities - Diabetes UK and The British Heart Foundation.

The Lewis Smith Memorial Concert will be held at Abergavenny Borough Theatre on Friday, February 24. Tickets cost £12.50 with £10 concessions for OAP and the disabled, and are available from the box office on 01873 850805 or by visiting http://www.boroughtheatreabergavenny.co.uk">www.boroughtheatreabergavenny.co.uk