A hand carved metal olive tree will provide a space for mourners to remember their loved ones.

The sculpture is placed at the heart of St Clare Hospice in Harlow and symbolises peace and harmony.

It is made of a hand-carved trunk and hundreds of metal leaves with personal dedications to lost loved ones.

Three types of leaf are available for dedications - bronze, silver and gold coloured - each carrying an inscription to someone special and helping to fund care across the Hospice.

Jamie Hooper, St Clare Hospice’s fundraising development manager, said: “The leaves on our Memory Tree represent mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts, uncles, cousins, best friends – people’s children, relatives and loved ones.

"The tree offers a special space for people to honour and remember family members in a really powerful and symbolic way.

“Dedicating a leaf on the Memory Tree in honour of a loved one also directly contributes to others being able to access the compassionate care of St Clare, at a time when they need it most."

It is hoped the tree can raise £108,000 for the hospice each year, which could pay for six months of care from the Patient and Family Support Team, which provides practical, psychological, emotional and spiritual support to people and their families across west Essex.