When Sophie Lancaster, 20, a "goth" music fan from Lancashire, who dressed distinctively, was murdered a year ago, it shocked communities across the country and sympathy was expressed from alternative subcultures at home and abroad.

Sophie and her boyfriend, Robert Maltby, were attacked in Bacup on August 11 last year. Sophie died from her injuries.

Both were dressed distinctively, and police said the attack may have been provoked by the couple wearing gothic fashion and being members of the goth subculture.

People from the region are now backing a campaign to work towards a more tolerant and less violent society.

Kevin Griffiths-Boden from Llay, and Alan and Rebecca Kilfoyle from Saltney, were so moved by the story they wanted to raise awareness and promote tolerance across North Wales and Chester.

A charitable foundation called S.O.P.H.I.E has been set up by Sophie's mother, Sylvia.

Kevin, Alan and Rebecca were in Chester town centre at the weekend, handing out leaflets about the foundation and the campaign to make the legal definition of hate crime include offences motivated by appearance.

Kevin, 33, who describes himself as a goth, said: "We were handing out the leaflets to the public and we left them in a few shops as well.

"What motivated us was that we wanted to educate people about subcultures, such as gothic or alternative lifestyles, because of what happened to Sophie Lancaster.

"I never met Sophie but it's like she was one of the family and I think it's one of the reasons why it's so close to people's hearts.

"This kind of thing has happened before to others and unless something's done to raise awareness it is just going to continue.

"Many people ask 'what is a goth?' and the simplest answer I can give is being a goth is a matter of opinion, a true goth finds their own style, and the meaning of goth varies from person to person."

The charity, S.O.P.H.I.E, which stands for Stamp Out Prejudice Hatred and Intolerance Everywhere, will seek to help educate professionals such as the police and teachers about subcultures.

It will also continue the campaign to make the definition of a hate crime include offences motivated by appearance.

Two of Sophie's teenage attackers were given life sentences for her murder.

Sylvia Lancaster hopes the Sophie Lancaster Foundation will be a lasting legacy to her daughter.

In a message on website www.myspace.com/inmemoryofsophie, Sylvia wrote: "We will develop and deliver workshops tackling the issues and challenging preconceptions.

"As of July 2008, more than £22,000 has been raised through the fantastic efforts of many people throughout the UK and beyond.

"We would like to thank everyone for their kindness in organising and supporting these events. We have been at times overwhelmed by your generosity of spirit.

"This has encouraged us to carry on our work during the most difficult of times."

Kevin, Alan and Rebecca say they hope they have gone some way to raising awareness of the issue in North East Wales and Chester.

To raise funds and awareness, official S.O.P.H.I.E. wristbands are available from www.backstreetmerch.com.

For more information go to www.myspace.com/inmemoryofsophie or www.sophielancasterfoundation.com.