THE memory of a Walton parish councillor will be kept alive by a field maple tree, which has been planted in his memory.

Peter Bennett, who died on Boxing Day in 1998, was a parish councillor for more than 20 years.

His wife, Nora, and his family gathered at Hillcliff Road in Walton where they planted the tree with the help of parish council vice-chairman Paul Morgan.

Mr Bennett, who was the father of three, was a cattle dealer and farmer who first joined the parish council in 1955 and had a break until he rejoined, serving the village for the rest of his life.

Mrs Bennett, who married Mr Bennett in 1955, said: "He worked so hard all his life for his family and fought for what he thought was right. He was an honest, open man and he never did anybody a dirty turn.

"The tree planting was fantastic and I wrote to the council to say thank you for their generosity. And my boys couldn't believe it."

Walton councillor Chris Chadwick said: "Peter served on the council for many years and was well known to many people.

"He was a colourful character. He had a love of nature and the council thinks it is fitting that Peter should be remembered in this way."