A MEMORIAL bench has been placed in Middleton St George playing field in honour of Malcolm Turnbull, known as Mally, who coached junior football teams in the village for many years.

Mr Turnbull died in October last year and funds for the bench were raised during a special football tournament held earlier this year, featuring many players he had coached over the last 20 years.

Middleton St George ward councillor Steve York, who was a close friend of Mr Turnbull and helped organise the fund raising event in April, said: "The remaining funds raised, totalling £885, will be donated to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation as this was close to Mally's heart.

Mally was a good friend and mentor too many, not only in the village but also the town, and he is greatly missed."