The death of their son was a traumatic blow for the parents of Lt Dave Paton - but they were determined to find a positive way to commemorate the young officer's life.

Now the Dave Paton Memorial Award will be presented annually to the member of Thunderer Squadron who has best promoted adventurous training activity.

Thunderer Squadron is the Royal Navy-sponsored engineering course based at the University of Southampton which succeeded the Navy's own engineering college at Manadon.

A cash award of £200 will allow the recipient to take the parachute training course with the Army at Netheravon - a sport which Dave loved.

Lt Paton died in a parachuting accident during a Families Day at HMS Excellent in July last year.

His parents have collected almost £1,700 as a thank-you to the RN Dependence fund - the fund gave the family financial support within two days of the accident to help the family deal with the immediate aftermath, easing the burden at a difficult time.

The cash provided by the family - gathered from a memorial service attended by 400 friends and relatives, a collection by the Raiders Parachute Team of which Dave was a leading member, from HMS Excellent, the University of Southampton and Thunderer Squadron itself - will go to a nominated cause from within the RN Special Fund.

The Commander of Thunderer Squadron, Cdr Paul Morris, described Lt Paton as "an outstanding officer with both a drive and enthusiasm for all that life had to offer," adding that Dave will be missed.

"This award will encourage others to follow his example," he added.

The Royal Naval Dependence Fund provides support to families in times of bereavement. To contact the fund, telephone 023 9270 2101.