A MEMORIAL tree planting has taken place to remember a former mayor and longstanding councillor after his death last year.

The Prospects Foundation have planted three trees and an accompanying memorial stone in Gatty Park in Church in memory of John Broadley.

He was elected to Hyndburn Council in 2002 and served the Church area until 2015, while he was also mayor for the borough in 2015.

Phil Barwood MBE, the chairman of Prospects said, “We remember John as a lovely man, one of the founding trustees of the Foundation in 1998 and always a supporter of our work during his years as councillor for Church ward and during his year as Mayor of Hyndburn.

“All the trustees and staff are invited to the planting along with others who knew John through the Church Prospects Panel and the Gatty Park community food growing project.”

John’s wife, Jean, and his daughters also attended the planting.

After his death last year Mrs Broadley, who was married to him for more than 50 years, said they had a 'wonderful' time together.

Earlier this month Mr Broadley and fellow Church community stalwart Alan Pearson were commemorated with a bench in Gatty Park.