Bill Barraclough's first hole-in-one in 27 years of golfing was memorable by any measure.

But the bonus for Bill was that the feat came on the day he helped to organise a fundraising day in memory of a lifelong friend, Danny McGowan who died of cancer in January.

"It really couldn't have happened on a better day," said Bill, of Unity Street, Riddlesden.

His old friend would have been amused at the way it all came about, he said.

Two hundred golfers took part in the event at Keighley Golf Club to honour the popular Keighley sportsman.

They raised more than £5,000 for Manorlands to boost the total they have made for the hospice to £7,000 since Mr McGowan's death at the age of 53.

Bill, 63, said: "I would love to tell you I hit a superb tee shot on the second hole, but unfortunately that wasn't the case.

"Instead my shot went flying towards a big tree at the side of the hole. It hit the top of that and I thought that was it.

"Then I saw the ball come down and head for the hole.

"Danny was my best friend and he would have loved it, especially with it being such a poor tee shot.

"I have been playing golf for 27 years and never had a hole-in-one."

Mr McGowan's widow Susan said: "It's wonderful the way people have given their time to set these events up and raise so much money for Manorlands.

"Danny would have been delighted."

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