WOODHEYS Primary School in Sale has never forgotten the interest shown by the late Professor Derek Woodrow, a governor from 2001 until September 2015 shortly before his death..

They showed their gratitude by installing a seat and two red rose bushes in the multi-faith Alex Hulme Remembrance Garden and labyrinth.

The colour of the roses reflected Professor Woodrow’s favourite football team, Manchester United.

One bush, named Alex, also had connections with Manchester United while the other was, appropriately, named Remembrance.

His widow, Pat, 19-year-old granddaughter, Emma Mash and headteacher, Laura Roberts, attended the small ceremony

Also present were teachers and governors, including Maira Sellers who knew Professor Woodrow well since she had been a governor for 30 years.

At the short ceremony, the recently married Mrs Roberts, nee Daniels, said that the late governor had been like her right arm,

Mrs Woodrow spoke of her husband’s love of travel and his relationship with foreign students.

Imogen Black, a Year 5 pupil, read a native African prayer and the the Rev'd James Neal, the curate from St Mary Magdalene Church, blessed the seat and roses.

Guests were shown the Zen area of peace and a Noah’s Arc mural being completed by resident artist, June Parish.

Mrs Woodrow said: "I found the ceremony consoling. My husband always rejoiced at the school’s multicultural outlook, so akin to his own.”