A Hitchin mum who sadly died from cancer aged 40 has been honoured this week.

The memory of a former Hitchin Girls' School pupil Leanne Sara Osbourn (nee Emery) has been honoured with a replacement weeping willow planted in Churchyard being dedicated to the much-missed mum.

After the loss of the much loved weeping willow in the churchyard last September (covered by Hitchin Nub News here and here) the St Mary's team were thrilled to be able to help with planting a replacement and to dedicate a new tree on Wednesday.

The St Mary's team told Hitchin Nub News: "It was also particularly special to dedicate the tree to the memory of Leanne Sara Osbourn (nee Emery), who passed away from cancer aged 40, and leaves a young daughter.

"Leanne had always loved willows and the St Mary's tree in particular, and when the old tree came down her family got talking to the St Mary's Churchwardens about a replacement.

"North Herts Grounds Maintenance team are responsible for the Churchyard trees, and started the search for a suitable new willow. As young trees are more vulnerable, their contractor, Robert, suggested that they use a slightly more mature willow which they happened to have been growing on and were happy to donate to the project."

On Wednesday, despite the freezing conditions and ice flows on the River Hiz, NHDC put the tree in on the riverside site, along with some daffodils which Leanne's family were able to plant, after a short ceremony and words of dedication from Rev Chris Bunce.

The new tree will require 'tlc' and care for the next couple of years but it should grow swiftly and eventually take the place of its venerable predecessor in the iconic view of St Mary's East end.

For the full story read 'A Churchwarden writes' this weekend.

A replacement weeping willow has been planted in memory of a former Hitchin Girls' School pupil Leanne Sara Osbourn (nee Emery) was sadly died from cancer aged 40. CREDIT: St Mary's Church