A bench has been placed at a Darlington nursery in memory of one its teachers who died last year from cancer.

Pupils and staff at Borough Road Nursery School gathered for the unveiling yesterday.

The bench has been put in the nursery's garden, which was a favourite place for Louise Gilroy, who passed away in November, aged just 44.

Headteacher Lynn Millar said: "Louise was a very popular teacher and, after she died, we started to raise funds for the bench.

"Everyone from parents to teachers, past and present, have contributed.

"The bench has children running around the back, made from metal, and there is a wooden seat for the children to sit on.

"There is also a plaque, which reads 'Louise; A much-loved teacher and friend'."

Mrs Gilroy had worked at the nursery for seven years before she lost her one-year battle against cancer.

While at the nursery, she designed and organised a Story Castle - a themed library.

On December 29, 2003, Mrs Gilroy was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and had to stop work.

At the end of term, children at the nursery made her a video.