About 80 people turned out to plant trees at the Jo Cox Community Wood between Heckmondwike and Cleckheaton, next to the Spen Valley Greenway and Liversedge Football Club.

Spen Valley Scouts joined local residents, members of the Jo Cox Foundation, Sustrans volunteers and people from as far afield as Huddersfield, Wakefield and East Yorkshire.

About 150 trees were planted, including apple and pear trees. “Appleyard’s Orchard” is in memory of Spen Valley Civic Society member John Appleyard who died of cancer last July.

Civic Society Treasurer Colin Berry explained: “We promised John we’d plant an apple tree for him, but the generosity of people’s donations at his funeral meant we had enough money to buy 11 trees. Spen Valley now has a community orchard at one end of the Jo Cox Wood. Hopefully in years to come, local people will be able to pick apples and pears thanks to John.”

On the same day, Jo Cox’s family planted an oak tree for Jo. This has inspired the society to offer a “Trees for Life” scheme from now until the end of February 2020. In return for a donation of £50, Spen Valley Civic Society will buy, plant, stake and maintain a half standard native tree, and will give the donor a certificate showing where the tree is planted. Chairman Max Rathmell said: “This is a great way to mark a birth, marriage, birthday or anniversary, or to celebrate someone’s life. It’s an eco-friendly present that’ll benefit wildlife, improve air quality in Spen Valley and be a positive symbol of a person’s life and achievements. If you’re interested, please phone 01274 875262 or contact us through www.spenvalleycivicsociety.org.uk “

Pictured are Jo’s family planting “Jo’s Tree”. From L-R, parents Gordon and Jean, and sister Kim Leadbeater