A TREE has been planted in memory of a much-loved churchgoer.

Sister Marjorie Hunt, who lived in New Street, Braintree, was best known for being a familiar face at Braintree and Bocking Public Gardens.

The member of St Peter's Church in Bocking died in January last year following a short illness- she was 84.

On Wednesday, April 26, a tree was planted at a commemoration in the gardens.

Julien Courtauld, chairman of the trustees for the public gardens, said: "Parishioners from St Peter’s Church came to the gardens, with the Reverend Tim Barnes, to help plant a Magnolia Stellata in memory of a much loved lady.

"She used to walk around the gardens a lot, we have about 20 people show up and it was a very successful commemoration."

Friends described Miss Hunt as a “real character” who was born and bred in Braintree and did a lot for St Peter’s Church in Bocking, including tending to the church gardens.