Family and friends of Luke Walker today announced they were holding a pub fundraiser in the Black Country – as a Facebook campaign professing his innocence attracted nearly 2,500 supporters.

They expect hundreds of people to attend the event supporting Luke, of Brierley Hill, who has been charged with murdering his girlfriend Chelsea Hyndman in Crete. It follows an online campaign set up in support of the 22-year-old which has now attracted 2,500 members.

The event will be held on Sunday at the Dock and Iron pub in Delph Road, Brierley Hill, from 12pm.

A banner outside the pub says “Please come and show support.

“Free Luke Walker so Chelsea can rest in peace.”

Photographs of the couple looking happy together are displayed in the window.

Friend Becky Batth  who went to Thorns Community College with Walker and lives in the same street, said she hoped the event would raise awareness of his situation.

She said: “We are all just trying to do our bit for Luke.

“This situation could have happened to anyone, it could be my brother,”said the 23-year-old.

“Luke has got so much support, it is just not in his nature to do  what he is accused of doing. He is a kind and genuine guy.”

Another friend Jack Thomas, from Harvington near Kidderminster, said he could not believe Walker was capable of killing his girlfriend.

He said: “Luke wouldn’t say boo to a goose.”

Walker’s father Patrick, who is currently in Crete, said he hoped to attend the event which will feature an auction, raffle and release of pink and blue balloons for Luke and Chelsea.

He said: “It is wonderful the support we have received. We can’t put into words what it means to us and we keep telling Luke to try and build him up.”

Mr Walker said he planned to return  later this week while wife Lindy and son Ryan, 28, remain in Crete.