An orchard has been planted in memory of a councillor who died, last year.

Penny Smith,who was ward councillor for Broadley Common, Epping Upland and Nazeing died aged 55 in June 2014, following a short illness.

Friends, family and former colleagues of Mrs Smith gathered at Grange Farm Chigwell on Saturday (August) to watch the unveiling of a special plaque in her honour at the site.

The Trustees of Grange Farm Centre decided to plant an orchard for Penny who devoted much time and energy to the Trust.

According to friends, she had a great love for the Chigwell Meadows parkland and the creation of an orchard before she fell ill.

Penny was appointed to the Board of Trustees by Epping Forest District Council in July 2007 and she became chairman in January 2012.

Under Penny’s chairmanship, what had been a derelict site was transformed to provide an award winning pavilion and community hall with the associated wildlife meadows, nature reserve and sports field that exists today.

She believed that the centre should be for local residents and all visitors to enjoy no matter their age, no matter their physical ability.

The newly planted orchard can be found on Chigwell Meadows which is part of the Grange Farm Centre.

It was unveiled by Penny’s daughter Katherine.