A TREE has been planted and a plaque unveiled at the University of Hertfordshire to preserve the memory of a long-serving lecturer. Martyn Jones worked at the Hatfield-based institute for more than 25 years before

A TREE has been planted and a plaque unveiled at the University of Hertfordshire to preserve the memory of a long-serving lecturer.

Martyn Jones worked at the Hatfield-based institute for more than 25 years before his death from cancer on Christmas Day 2007, at the age of 54.

And on Wednesday, friends, family members and former work colleagues gathered at the university's de Havilland campus for a ceremony to commemorate him.

Originally from Poole in Dorset, Martyn first came to Hatfield to study engineering at the former polytechnic.

He went on to work as an engineering lecturer at the university, before joining the business school.

Senior business lecturer Jenny Evans described Martyn's contribution to the university as "huge".

She said: "He leaves a great legacy to his colleagues, students, friends and family."

Co-worker Caroline Large agreed and said: "There is still a hole where Martyn should be."

Marketing lecturer Adrian Goodsall said: "His relationship with students was second to none."

Martyn married Laura, also from Poole, in 1975 and lived at The Wade, in WGC, for 18 years.

They had three children, Charlotte, 28, Hannah, 26 and Ellie, 24.

Speaking after the ceremony, daughter Hannah described the cherry tree and silver plaque as a "fitting memorial" to her father.

"He was devoted to the university," she said.

"He would have loved to have been here."

She added: "We would like to thank both Jenny Evans and Margot Tetsell for their help in organising this event."

After the break-up of his first marriage, Martyn later wed Cielito and moved to Stevenage, raising her daughter Ciemuna as his own.

Outside of the university, he was a member of both Mill Green Golf Club and The Barn Theatre.

He also served as a governor at both Commonswood and Stanborough schools.