THE family of a woman killed by a drunk driver have raised £4,500 at a fundraising dinner-dance to build a school in her name in rural Iran.

Teaching assistant Laila Salahzehi was killed at the age of 23, in Watling Avenue, Burnt Oak, on April 27, 2007 while on her way to her brother's 21st birthday.

Her family set up The Laila Salahzehi Charitable Foundation (LSCF) in her honour to help socially and mentally disadvantaged children worldwide.

They hope to raise £20,000 towards the building of a school in Zahedan, in southern Iran, where there is a shortage of educational facilities for girls.

Their first event, on April 18, in the VIP Lounge, Edgware, raised £4,545 from ticket sales, pledged donations and a raffle.

More than 150 people enjoyed a three-course meal, watched belly-dancers and bid for raffle prizes including a Persian rug and digital camera.

Mrs Salahzehi’s father, Bahram Salehzehi, 47, said: “The event was a great success, given that it was our first one. We weren’t sure that everyone would turn up, but it was a very good turn-out.

“Hopefully we can take the money to Iran at the end of May and then building work can start.

“We think it will be a fitting tribute to Laila, who was an amazing young person, always giving to others.

“Her dream was to help others in need, especially children, and we felt the best way to keep her dreams alive was to help young girls get the education they need and deserve in this rural part of Iran.”

The dinner-dance was sponsored by Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, Apium Noodle Bar and Fore Street Electric Wholesalers.

Currys, Ealing Rug Gallery, Nandos, the Real Greek Restaurant, Starbucks, Cafe Nero, the British Film Institute, the British Museum, Arizona Drinks Ltd, various publishing companies and Tossed Salad Bar all made donations to the charity.

Pritesh Raval offered his DJing services for free and Behesht Restaurant, in Harrow Road, donated Iranian kebabs for the night.

To find out more about the charity visit the LSCF website at lscfoundation.com