A LASTING memorial to a much-respected local historian has been planted in his honour.

On Friday, a tree was planted and a plaque laid on Norton Green, near Stockton, in memory of much-loved Bob Harbron who passed away recently.

His daughter Patricia Guirguis said: "Dad would have appreciated the tree and plaque. He loved both The Green and trees and they both featured heavily in the research he did on Norton.

"Dad was a modest man but he would have been moved by just how much he and his research were appreciated by people. The family still miss him greatly but this memorial means a lot to us and we'd like to thank those who made it happen."

Stockton Borough Councillor Steve Nelson, who represents the area, said: "It was a sad day for Norton when Bob passed away. It was clear that local residents felt a permanent tribute to him was appropriate so we approached the family and have been delighted to play a part in ensuring the wishes of the family were carried out. "

And Howard Ward, chairman of Norton Heritage Group, said "Losing Bob was a terrible blow. He was instrumental in setting up the Heritage Group forty years ago and we will look to continue as best we can but he will be a great loss."

Norton Heritage Group has also created a display recognising Mr Harbron's achievements which can be seen in Norton Library for a week before being moved to the Reference Library in Stockton Library.