WILDLIFE lover Linda Moss is being remembered through trees which have been planted by her father and a life-long friend.

Linda, who had a wildlife garden at her home in Wincham, died recently at the age of 51.

She asked people not to send flowers for her funeral, but to spend the money on feeding the birds in their gardens.

In her will she left £300 to pay for a trophy for wildlife garden competition in the village.

She served for five years on Wincham Parish Council, which organised a tree planting ceremony in her memory alongside a community tree planting day.

Linda’s favourite tree was the rowan because of its attraction to birds, and the trees were planted by her father Bob, from Wincham, and parish councillor Frank Smith.

“I knew Linda since she was born, and lived across from her,” said Cllr Smith.

“It was very appropriate to plant rowan trees because she loved wildlife, and there were a number of members of her family at the planting.

“Linda was a brilliant girl, extremely intelligent and very helpful, and and it was a lovely morning for the tree planting.”

The trees were planted at the Linnards Lane playing field, and will be accompanied by a plaque.

Linda’s father brought along an award for her daughter, which was presented at a ceremony in London to Kate Witham and Tracy Adams from Hebden Bridge.

The women were good friends and employees of Linda, and between them worked for her for about 35 years.

Linda was awarded a Skills for Care honour as ‘the best individual employer who employs their own staff’.

Villagers helped with the community planting at the playing field, which involved the planting of a Japanese cherry, three birch, two apple, two pear and two plum trees.

Three dwarf apple trees are due to be planted at the play area in Chapel Street, which is also due to have a rooted Christmas tree.

The community planting event was led by Alistair Coney from Allium Green Space in Barnton, who teaches volunteers how to plant and stake bare-rooted trees.