A COMMEMORATIVE seat has been placed on a York golf course in memory of a former Lord Mayor of York who was a devoted golfer.

The bench was donated to Pike Hills Golf Club, near Copmanthorpe, by the family of David Horton, a two times Lord Mayor and long serving Acomb councillor, who died in 2019, aged 78.

The current Lord Mayor, Cllr Janet Looker, who was a long-time friend and attended the presentation, said David had 'truly stood for the values and spirit of the club.'

She said: "He was a devoted golfer who valued his membership of the club to the very end, he was also an extremely down to earth, straightforward friend and colleague.

"I was delighted to be part of the ceremony installing a bench in his memory – I am sure generations of players and members will value it as they wait to tee off, or take a breather during their round.”

David’s wife, Jane, daughter Kathleen, step-son Ben and Pike Hills chairman Martin Robinson and club captain Mick Yates also attended the presentation.

Mr Robinson said: “David was not just a loyal member of our club, but also a great friend to many of the members and we were privileged to be associated with him during his year of office in 2011/12 which celebrated York’s 800th anniversary and the royal visit of the Queen when she presented Maundy Money to York citizens.

“We would like to thank David’s family for their generous memorial gift, which is sited at the point on the course where David would like to sit and reflect on his round and which will benefit many golfers in the future whilst playing on our course."

A spokesperson said the placing of the seat had been badly delayed by Covid restrictions.

"Pike Hills has hosted a charity golf day which has supported numerous local charities since its inception in 2008," they said.

"It had been hoped to install the seat at last year’s Lord Mayor’s Charity Golf Day – this was not possible but we have been able to put it in place before this year’s tournament on Friday April 23."

Cllr Horton was Lord Mayor in 2002/03 and again in 2011/12, when he was host for the Queen in her visit to York, and he was made an MBE for services to the community shortly afterwards.