FAMILY, friends and colleagues of a popular groundsman at a North-East park are to donate almost £3,000 to Macmillan Cancer Support in his memory.

Derek Smithson tended the grounds atA Ryhope Park in Sunderland and seemed to have beaten throat cancer last year.

The disease returned, however, and he died earlier this year.

Mr Smithson, who was 64 and lived in the park-keeper's house, asked those close to him to fundraise for the charity.

He had been groundsman of the park since 1968 and was responsible for maintaining the cricket and football pitches and bowling greens.

His wife, Kath, as well as grandchildren and colleagues, joined together to raise £2,796.