A LASTING memorial for a keen green campaigner is helping to boost the environment.

Jo Barnes of Slaithwaite died of breast cancer in February.

But she left a legacy of environmental work which her friends have vowed to continue.

The 62-year-old’s partner Paul Salveson has set up the Jo Barnes Fund to donate money to local groups who want to carry out environmental work.

The first £200 has been donated to the Friends of Slaithwaite Spa to boost their work to bring the old spa back into use.

Mr Salveson said: “The trust was something we discussed in her last few weeks and she was very keen on the idea.

“It is a fund to support community projects which benefit the environment.

“She was a great environmental campaigner and very passionate about it.

“She put a lot of her own time into all sorts of different projects and was the instigator of many ideas and projects she never got the chance to do so we will carry them on.”

Jo was the chairperson of the River Colne Project, based at Slaithwaite, for nine years.

She led many clean-up projects, wildflower planting and research into species living on the river banks.

She also encouraged children to take part in conservation activities.

Her work also includes initiating the Colne Valley Sculpture Trail and was instrumental in setting up Slaithwaite’s ‘Rail and River Centre’ as the home to the National Association of Community Rail Partnerships.

She passed away at Kirkwood Hospice on February 6 after an 18-month battle against breast cancer.

Her friends celebrated her life with an all-day event in Slaithwaite where they presented the first money in her name.

The day also included a walk through the Colne Valley, visiting her favourite places.

Mr Salveson added: “Jo would have been delighted with this day of celebrations.

“The sun shone and the birds sang.

“We are very keen to hear from groups who want to do something that will benefit the environment from school projects to a club wanting to carry out footpath improvements.”

A commemorative booklet has helped to raise more than £5000 towards the Jo Barnes Fund.

And organisers are now asking for community groups or schools to apply for small grants to assist any environmental works they would like to do in the Huddersfield and Colne Valley area.

For more information contact Paul Salveson on 01484 844 846 or email paul.salveson@btinternet.com.