A COUPLE renowned for giving away flowers and cuttings from their garden are to have a floral memorial.

Bob and Connie Johnson's family have paid for 400 crocus bulbs to be planted on the village green at Gainford, near Barnard Castle, to serve as a reminder of the generous couple every spring.

Mr and Mrs Johnson joined in many village activities until they died a few years ago - Connie at the age of 86 and Bob at 95.

Their daughters Prudence and Amy, son Stuart and nephew Jamie all agreed they should have a lasting memorial.

Prudence who lives in Cockerton Green, Darlington, said: "They loved growing flowers and plants in their garden and greenhouse. They gave many away and donated lots to local jumble sales and fetes.

"Mum seemed to supply half the village with fuchsia cuttings and she loved to see them growing in other gardens. So a lovely display of crocuses each spring will be a fitting memorial to them."

The bulbs have been planted on the green by the parish council chairman, Councillor Wendy Withers, who said: "This is a lovely way to remember the couple."

Mr Johnson was a chartered surveyor and civil engineer, who put down his long life to being a teetotaller and non-smoker - and to the love of a good wife.