AN environmental group has unveiled a lasting tribute to its founding secretary who died from cancer.

Tanfield Lea Countryside Group (TLC) commissioned chainsaw wood carver Tom Craggs to create a bench out of a log in memory of Joan Bell who died in January.

Ms Bell, 58, of Tanfield Lea, near Stanley, died of a rare form of skin cancer in January, having been admitted to hospital with pneumonia a month or so before. She was a founder member of TLC, which looks after woodland and wildlife between Tanfield Lea and Harperley.

Mr Craggs created a bench in the shape of an owl – one of Ms Bell’s favourite creatures – that stands in the grounds of Harperley Hotel.

Her sister, Pat Heaton, said: “I am very, very proud that my sister was thought of so much. Her daughter, Leanne, and two grandchildren are over the moon, they are delighted that she was so well thought of. It was devastating when she died.

It happened so quickly.

She had been so fit and was out walking the dogs.”

Group chairman Ron Kelly said: “She was a lovely person. It was so quick and so sudden and unbelievable.

“We thought it was very appropriate to get this bench done and put Joan’s name on it.

“Joan really helped the group get up and running.’’ ■ The group meets on the last Friday of the month (except in December) at 6.30pm, in Harperley Hotel.

Everyone is welcome to attend.