A MEMORIAL tree has been planted and a plaque set in honour of a prominent Huddersfield doctor who helped thousands of people with alcohol or mental health problems.

The cherry tree was planted at the entrance to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary yesterday in memory of Dr Tobarek Hossain.

Dr Hossain was the founder and president of Concern For Mental Health in West Yorkshire.

He was an associate specialist in psychiatry and worked tirelessly for the treatment of people with alcohol problems.

He was president of the charity Kirklees Alcohol Advisory Service which he set up in 1973 and was a national and international speaker on alcoholism.

KAAS is a self-help group for people with alcohol problems and their families. It meets weekly in Huddersfield.

Tributes to Dr Hossain were led by Mrs Diane Whittingham, chief executive of Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust.

She said: "Dr Hossain was one of the most charming and kindest people I've ever come across.

"He was always so dedicated to the services he provided and wanted to do his very best.

"He did everything in such a nice, gentle way he always got what he wanted.

"All the clients who used these services will be forever grateful. Dr Hossain was very successful in what he achieved."

Dr Hossain died from pneumonia in Huddersfield Royal Infirmary on Boxing Day last year after battling against cancer of the lymph glands - a condition known as Hodgkin's Disease.

He was 67 and lived at Taylor Hill.

Dr Hossain retired from St Luke's Hospital at Crosland Moor in March 2000, but continued as a locum psychiatrist afterwards.

Born in Bangladesh, he was married to Pam and had two daughters, Nina and Rezina.

* Kirklees Alcohol Advisory Service meets every Wednesday from 7pm to 9pm at the National Children's Centre on New North Parade in Huddersfield town centre.