A memorial to a much-loved police officer has been unveiled.

Friends, family and colleagues of PC Jonny Green gathered at Barnard Castle Police Station yesterday for the unveiling of a garden seat in his memory.

PC Green, 23, was killed in November when his car collided with a tree on the A67 just outside of Barnard Castle.

He was returning from work at Barnard Castle Police Station to his home at Brinkburn Road, Darlington.

Colleagues clubbed together £350 to buy the garden bench in his memory.

Sergeant Bob Danby from Barnard Castle Police said: "Not only was Jonny big in stature, he was big hearted.

"He probably fitted more living in his short lifetime than most people fit in two lifetimes."

The seat, which was made by Teesdale Garden Crafts and is engraved with PC Green's name, will be placed outside Barnard Castle Police Station.

A photograph and plaque of PC Green has also been made which will hang in Bishop Auckland Police Station.

PC Green's mother, Lynn, said: "We're so grateful that everybody has been gone to so much effort.

"They've been so nice to us, they sent a lovely bunch of flowers on his birthday the other week.

"It's nice to know they're still thinking of Jonny."

Seven officers are also taking part in the Great North Run in memory of PC Green and raising money for the Make a Wish Foundation.

PC Victoria Barnett, who helped organise the tribute, said: "We've all had T-shirts made with Jonny's photograph on them.

"It's a worthwhile charity to be raising money in his memory for."