THE memory of a young Darwen man who died tragically will live on through his favourite sport.

Craig Higgs, aged 23, died after being hit by a taxi in Bolton in April.

Now Turton School, where he was a pupil, is to honour his memory with an annual golf tournament, a game Craig had played since the age of 11.

Craig’s heartbroken parents, Wayne and Judith, donated a trophy modelled on the British Open’s Claret Jug in memory of their son.

The inaugural event took place at Turton Golf Club during the week of the Open, which headteacher John Porteous described as “entirely fitting”.

Mr Higgs said “Encouraging young people to take part in sport is really important.

“Golf was Craig’s game so this seemed a good way to honour him.

“Every winner will receive their own small replica of the Claret Jug to keep.”

After Craig started to play golf, he became a member at Bolton Open Golf Club in Harwood before moving to Turton Golf Club. He played the sport while on holiday including in Palm Desert, California, and on the Arizona National in Tuscon.

More recently, he played at the Regents Park and Duxbury courses.

The annual tournament will give pupils at the Bromley Cross school the opportunity to take part in a sport which traditionally has not been played there.

Mr Porteous said: “I really appreciate the way Craig’s family, Wayne, Judith and Fern, have been determined to create a lasting tribute to Craig and have introduced a whole new element to Turton’s sports programme.

Each year, students will play this competition, giving everyone a motive to get involved or, if they already play, to improve their golf and cherish the memory of a fondly remembered former student.

The first memorial game saw keenly fought competition in the match played by students, staff and Mr Higgs, who Mr Porteous described as an inspiration to everyone at Turton.

The first winner of the Craig Higgs Trophy was Callum Hayes-Smith, a Year 9 student, with a winning net score of 65.