Garston residents gathered yesterday to plant a tree in memory of Caroline 'Cassie' Winter, who died in March aged 40 following complications from pneumonia.

Friends and relatives of Cassie, who is survived by daughter Tamera, 14, planted the tree at Leavesden Green Community Hub yesterday lunchtime.

Cassies was a popular figure in the Leavesden Green community and an active volunteer, including helping at the Maple Leaf community cafe.

Her mother, Doreen Partridge, said: "Cassie was always a laugh, always ready to help people. She would have done anything for anybody, there were not many people she didn’t like.

"It was the Maple Leaf volunteers who came up with the idea of the tree, and I think it’s fantastic. It’s lovely to think they’re remembering her in that way."

Watford Community Housing Trust, which manages the Community Hub, has helped to organise the ceremony.

The tree was supplied by the trust’s grounds maintenance contractor Glendale, while the trust has provided bulbs for a flower bed which will be planted by Cassie’s family and friends.

Anne Sillwood, Community Hubs officer at the trust, said: "It will be special for Doreen, Tamera and their family to have a local memorial for Cassie. Many of the residents here have fond memories of her as she was always present at local events. Leavesden Green has a great community spirit and Doreen and family have been well supported by their friends and neighbours during this difficult time."