Fundraising for a woodland to be created in memory of a of a “loving husband, dad and granddad” is nearing completion.

Thousands of people joined the search for Graham Roskell after he went missing after leaving Harrogate Hospital on November 3.

Mr Roskell, a former policeman, suffered from a brain condition which led to confusion and disorientation and he was found in woodland near Wetherby 11 days later.

Following his death, his family announced plans to plant 800 trees, at a cost of £10 each, in a memorial woodland in the Yorkshire Dales.

The appeal has now reached £5,280, enabling the family to plant 528 trees.

Mr Roskell’s daughter, Nicola Sawyer, said: “Graham had fond childhood memories of playing in woodland and as an adult, enjoyed many woodland walks. He also died in a small woodland. Graham felt strongly about the conservation of British woodland. His family felt that this would be a fitting tribute to him and a way of bringing something positive out of this.”

The woodland, at Appletreewick in the Yorkshire Dales, will be named Roskell Wood and is due to be planted before March.

The appeal needs a further £2,720. To dedicate a tree visit findgraham.co.uk or phone the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust on 01524 251002 and specify your donation is in memory of Graham Roskell.