TREES will be planted in various locations in Yate in memory of the ‘grandmother’ of the town.

The woodland tribute is in honour of Gladys Nelson, a former teacher, town councillor and community stalwart, who died last year aged 98.

Trees will be planted outside the offices of Yate Town Council, at Poole Court, and in the grounds of The Ridge Junior School where Mrs Nelson was a teacher for 16 years.

Bluebells and snowdrops will also be planted at Tylers Field, in the woods on Yate Common and at Poole Court.

Cllr Mike Robbins, who was taught the ropes by Mrs Nelson when he was elected onto the council 20 years ago, said: "It is not so much a memorial to Gladys.

"She wanted to give something back to the town and say thank you to the town rather than the other way round."

Mrs Nelson, who lived with her daughter Monica in Eggshill Lane, lived in Yate most of her life after marrying her husband Albert. She taught first at Yate Primary School, now St Mary’s, and then at The Ridge.

She was an active member of the town council until the age of 89 and campaigned in community issues including saving Poole Court from demolition, reinstating Yate Carnival and establishing Yate Heritage Centre.

Cllr Chris Willmore said: "I think it would be very appropriate to have trees and flowers planted at Poole Court as she campaigned so hard to save it."

Mrs Nelson died in December last year after a short period of bad health.

At the time, her daughter Monica said: "She was very community orientated and missed every moment she was not doing something in the town."