THE husband of a popular newsagent who lost her battle with cancer earlier this year has built a bench in her memory.

Jim Watts, husband of Marjorie Olive Watts, 73, of Burnley Road East, Waterfoot, has placed the touching tribute in his garden for the benefit of family and friends.

Marjorie, who dedicated her life to her family and her work, married Jim at St Mary's Church, London, in 1950.

The couple went on to have three children before moving to Brentwood and having two more sons. They then moved to Rossendale in 1967 with Jim's work for Hunter Penrose Little Johns, based in Manchester, where he was a trouble-shooter for printing machinery.

They bought a sweet shop, which Marjorie ran, and it also became their home, before opening Quix Newsagency in Burnley Road East, locally known at Watts'.

Jim, 76, who has spent several weeks constructing the pine and oak tribute, said: "I wanted to make something in memory of Marjorie and thought this would be a fitting way for the whole family to remember her.

"I have also made a bird table, because Marjorie would have liked that as well." An inscription on the bench reads: 'In memory and thanks for the life of a lovely lady -- Marjorie Olive Watts -- 1929-2003'

Jim added: "We received so many letters and cards saying how lovely Marjorie was. With so many people thinking of her in that way, it seemed only right to include it in the tribute."

Marjorie had many voluntary roles during her lifetime, including being involved with the Inner Wheel Club of Rossendale, Lumb Women's Institute, Secretary of Rossendale Newsagents, Treasurer of Rossendale Luncheon Club, Treasurer of Rossendale Conservative Association, Treasurer of Rawtenstall Welfare Committee, and with the NSPCC and RNLI.

Majorie's large family, including sons Michael, Adrian, Chris, Tim and Richard, her sisters Eileen and Phyl, her brothers Maurice and Jim, 11 grandchildren and 12 nieces and nephews, as well as friends, will all be invited to use the bench as a lasting tribute.