A TREE has been planted in memory of a popular and long-serving teacher from Brighton Hill Community College who died earlier this year.

Judith Turner taught at the Basingstoke school for 22 years and was in charge of girls' physical education before she died at home in Kingsclere on January 13.

As a tribute to Mrs Turner, who was 45, staff and pupils at the college arranged for a flowering cherry tree to be planted in her honour at Kingsclere Burial Ground, overlooking some nearby sports courts.

A plaque with the words "In memory of Judith Turner, colleague, teacher and friend, from everyone at Brighton Hill Community College" has been placed near the memorial.

The popular teacher's family attended the planting last Tuesday along with some of her friends, colleagues and students.

Mrs Turner's widower David, 51, of Queens Road, Kingsclere, was at the ceremony with the couple's two children Joanne, 17, and Stuart, 13.

Mr Turner said: "This is a wonderful and fitting tribute to Judith, particularly as it overlooks the netball courts and that was a big thing for her.

"She'd have been made up that the children thought of this as a tribute to her. We still miss her terribly."

Deputy headteacher Bill Blake, who was also at the ceremony, said: "The students thought planting a tree for Judith was a great idea. It's a lovely living memorial that will last for a long time."

First published: Monday, December 19, 2005