A GROUP of oak trees will be planted at Prudhoe Golf Club in memory of one of its popular members.

Friends and family of Graham Hill (51), known as Chilly, are raising funds to plant a copse at the 17th hole at the Eastwood Park course as a long-lasting memorial to him.

Graham unexpectedly took ill just after Christmas and his death on December 30 came as a huge shock to the many who knew him. The father of Jack had only married his new wife, Andrina, in September.

A group of friends have now set a fund-raising goal of £1,500 for the oak trees which will transform the 17th into ‘Chilly’s Copse’, while a charity golf day in Graham’s memory is planned for June.

Close friend Steve Wilson, who is spearheading the project, said: “Chilly really was a larger than life character.

“I want to do something that will remind people of him every time they play golf.

“But I don’t think anyone who knew him would forget him! I see oak as the ‘king of the trees’, and I think that is fitting because Chilly always stood out.”

Donations can be made at a justgiving page under Steve’s name.