A MUCH-loved newsagent who died suddenly of a heart attack is being honoured this week after the community he served raised enough funds to plant a tree in his memory.

Michael Clarke, from Parr, run MD Clarke newsagents on Derbyshire Hill Road for 37 years before he died suddenly this March.

Michael was very well thought of in the community, so to pay their respects, the area he served and his friends, family and former employees got together to raise money to do something permanent in his memory.

They have now raised £1,000 and, after getting permission from St Helens Council, have decided to plant it outside the 71-year-old's home and business.

His friend and former employee Julie Titherington, 42, said: "Mike was a true gentleman with a heart of gold, he watched me grow up and my kids and then took me on there for a job.

"He was a lovely man and we were all devastated when he died.

"Even though the shop closed, we all decided as past employees to do something in his memory and the whole community got behind it too.

"We've raised £1,000 and are planting a memorial tree for him with a plaque and any leftover money will be donated to the British Heart Foundation in his memory."

This has also been organised by former employees Katie Titherington and Kaylea Hughes.

The tree planting will take place at 1pm on Friday, November 15, outside Parr bus terminus.