Billericay’s diverse history has been captured for posterity in an eye-catching, metal art installation in Billericay High Street.

Commissioned by Bennetts Funerals, the Heritage Tree has been installed on the outside wall of the company’s office, the Old School House, near the High Street and Stock Road crossroads, where it will act as a focal gateway to the town.

The tree has been dedicated to St Luke’s Hospice with the aim of encouraging continued support for the charity which itself supports the local community.

Eileen Marshall, chief executive of St Luke’s Hospice, said: “We’re really proud to be associated with the Billericay Heritage Tree and also that Bennetts thought to put our name on it.

"We’ve worked with Bennetts for quite some time and we very much appreciate it.”