Friends of a Saltdean teenager, Owen Bergin,16, who lost his life to cancer are a step closer to getting a pod in Oval Park for young people to remember him.

Brighton and Hove City Council is carrying out a consultation to decide where the pod should be built following recommendations from local charity Play Area in Rottingdean Community (PARC).

Cathy Taylor, manager of PARC charity shop, Rottingdean, said: “Owen was a keen BMX rider who adored the skate park in Saltdean.”

“It was his friends who kicked off the fundraising.”

They raised £900 for the pod by holding a coffee morning selling tea and cakes and washing cars last year.

Ms Taylor said the community has helped to successfully raise the £21,000 total needed for the pod hosting different events.

A further a £3,000 donation was received earlier this year from Saltdean Resident’s Association and £2,000 from Brighton and Hove City Council.

PARC’s recommended location for the pod is near to the rear gate of oval park, not the most used entrance.

The pod has two levels of seating a handle that can be wound up to generate electricity powering LED lights, blue tooth connectivity and speakers so occupants can listen to music.

Ms Taylor said the volume is controlled and the entrance to shelter is open so people can see in and discourage anti-social behavior.