PUPILS have dedicated a bench and planted a tree at a York school in memory of a long-serving teacher.

Lorraine Holmes died last year, aged 53, only weeks after being diagnosed with a heart condition. She worked as a teacher for more than 30 years, with time spent at Shipton Street School, which merged with Kingsway Junior School in 2001 to form Clifton Green Primary School.

Now the pupils at Clifton Green will be able to remember Mrs Holmes, who taught children in early years classes, after they planted an acer tree in her memory next to a memorial bench.

Dave Brown, head teacher of Clifton Green, said: “Lorraine had a lovely, caring nature that meant she was well-liked and respected by children, parents and colleagues. She is and will continue to be greatly missed by the staff at Clifton Green.

"She loved gardening and walking so it seemed fitting that we bought a tree and a bench that are now near the entrance to the school for people to remember her."