A GARDEN memorial has been unveiled to a woman who devoted herself to helping the community in Northallerton and the surrounding district.

June Darrah MBE died last year aged 89 after a lifetime of volunteering, community work and helping those in need. Rishi Sunak MP unveiled a decorative bird bath, bench and planting in the garden of The Skill Mill at Northdale Horticulture in Northallerton, just one of the many community projects June was associated with.

She also helped many other charities and organisations as a volunteer driver, respite sitter, helper and trustee at Northallerton and District Voluntary Service Association for more than 30 years.

The Northern Echo:

She was also a keen supporter of mental health charities, Northallerton Tourist Information Centre, and the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service. She worked for North Yorkshire County Council as a co-ordinator in civil defence, social services and playgroups.

Mr Sunak said: "Everything I have heard about June illustrates her unwavering commitment to helping others in the community she loved. It is an enormous privilege to help mark her remarkable life by unveiling this memorial in the presence of the friends and colleagues whose many lives she touched so wonderfully."

The memorial was funded by friends she met during her volunteering career.