FIREFIGHTERS have planted a tree in memory of a young boy who died after a brave fight with cancer.

Eight-year-old Luke Webb died at Little Havens children’s hospice in 2007 after spending two years battling an aggressive brain tumour.

Firefighters from Southend’s Green Watch got to know him well after he became an honorary firefighter and visited their fire station.

When Eastwood Primary School decided to plant the tree in Luke’s memory, his mum, 33-year-old Lucy Webb of Bridgwater Drive, Westcliff, asked the crew to the ceremony.

She said: “The headteacher of Luke’s school, Philip Davies was a huge support to Luke when he was ill and he continues to be a support.

“I thought it would be a nice idea if Luke’s firefighters planted it.”

Southend firefighter Steve Osborn and five colleagues attended the moving ceremony.

Mr Osborn said: “It went well.

“It was very sad because he was so young.

“Luke used to come down to the fire station a lot and we would let him sit on the machines and he would come along to training.

“It was nice to be asked to do this for him.”