A CHESHIRE man who gave his life to try and save another from a knife attack in Australia has been posthumously honoured at Tatton Park.

Thirty-year-old Tom Jackson, from Congleton, died last August while attempting to save the life of fellow backpacker Mia Ayliffe-Chung, 20, who was attacked and killed by a man with a knife in a Queensland hostel.

Tom suffered head wounds as he went to her aid, and died in hospital a week later. The assailant, 29-year-old Frenchman Smail Ayad, was arrested and charged with murder.

Tom’s family joined Cheshire East Council mayor Cllr Arthur Moran in Tatton Park on Thursday, for a tree-planting ceremony and the installation of a bench in memorial.

The inscription on the bench reads: “With love we remember Tom Jackson, our son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.

“A life that touches others goes on forever. So many beautiful memories, so many broken hearts. 1985 – 2016.”

Tom was an aspiring journalist and a South Cheshire College graduate.

Attending the short ceremony at Tatton Park were Tom’s father Les, mum Sandra, sister Olivia, partner Kay Goldney and brother Daniel.

Mr Jackson said afterwards: “As a family we were delighted to accept the kind offer from Cheshire East Council to remember our wonderful son Tom in this way. It is a lovely idea and the tree and bench are in a lovely spot.

“We are sure visitors to Tatton will appreciate them as much as we do, for years to come. Our sincere thanks to the mayor for greeting us so warmly and to Cheshire East Council for making the memorial happen.”