A TREE has been planted in memory of a former councillor and mayor following his death.

David Hume died earlier this year after a battle against cancer.

He underwent a stem cell transplant and latterly chemotherapy, which left him with no protection from infections.

David died due to sepsis, with his family saying his body “could no longer fight the infection”.

Mr Hume was a Halstead town and Braintree district councillor, as well as Halstead’s longest-serving mayor.

He also taught at Halstead County Primary School – later Richard de Clare, and was later deputy head at White Notley Primary, followed by the headship of John Bunyan Primary.

After retiring early, he remained active in the teaching community in Halstead, becoming governor at both St Andrew’s and Richard de Clare primary schools, and teaching liaison at the Ramsey School.

Halstead Gazette: FONDLY REMEMBERED - David HumeFONDLY REMEMBERED - David Hume (Image: N/A)

Paying tribute earlier to David earlier this year, his family described him as a “real gentleman”.

They continued: “He has touched the lives of so many thousands of people, supporting them and making a positive impact on their lives an absolutely amazing man.

“He will be sorely missed by not only his family but also by the ordinary people of Halstead.

“Always ready to lend an ear to their problems. To them he was ‘Mr Halstead’.”

Now, to commemorate David and his legacy, a tree has been planted in the town’s public gardens, following a small ceremony with David’s family, friends and colleagues this week.

Halstead Gazette: TOUCHING TRIBUTE: The tree planted in the public gardens in memory of David TOUCHING TRIBUTE: The tree planted in the public gardens in memory of David (Image: Public)

A spokesman for Halstead Town Council said: “On October 31, there was a quiet and contemplative ceremony in the Halstead Public Gardens, where a silver birch tree was planted in memory of David Hume, former councillor at Halstead Town Council and Braintree Council, and mayor of Halstead for eight years.

“The planting was led by his partner Penny, and attended by members of his family, councillors, and staff from Braintree Council and Halstead Town Council.

“It is hoped that the tree will remind us for many years to come of everything that David did for Halstead.”