The family of a former PE teacher have raised more than £1,000 after organising a memorial golf day in his honour.

David Lewis, who was head of PE at Freman College in Buntingford from 1970 until 1997, died in December last year at the age of 73.

In recognition of his time spent at the college, the collection from Mr Lewis’ funeral was donated to Freman College to buy four outdoor table tennis tables and a commemorative tree which has been planted outside the new sports hall.

The family decided to organise a fundraising event at Whitehill Golf Club near Ware last month to coincide with what would have been Mr Lewis’ 74th birthday.

The golf day raised more than £1,000 and will enable the college to buy more table tennis tables.

David’s son Mark and daughter-in law Sharon Lewis visited the college in Bowling Green Lane last week to hand over the money, and were joined by their daughter Amy – who is a student there.

About the day, Mrs Lewis said: “We had 12 teams who played and everyone said that it was the best golf day they had been involved in. It was a real success.”

Headteacher Helen Loughran added: “The table tennis tables are so well used – even when it’s raining the kids are out there playing on them at lunch times.

“It just seems fitting that sport is benefitting in an area that has been created in David’s memory. Everyone at the school at the time would have known about him, he was a real character.”

More teams will be able to play in next year’s golf day, which is taking place on July 24.