FAMILY and friends gathered to remember aid worker Alan Henning as a permanent memorial to him was unveiled.

Barbara Henning attended the emotional opening of a memorial garden in his hometown at Eccles Recreation ground.

The 47-year-old Salford taxi driver, a father-of-two, was beheaded by an Islamic State terrorist after going to Syria as part of an aid convoy which set off from Bolton to help orphaned children.

The Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, Cllr Peter Dobbs, opened proceedings.

He was joined by Reverend Dr Anne Louise Critchlow, chairwoman of Churches Together, led a few prayers.

The Alan Henning Memorial Garden design is based upon a clock face; the 360 degree garden has been created to give the family and the community a place of quiet reflection and is symbolic of time.

The garden features a circular flower bed, planted with yellow flowers and plants, wooden sleepers painted yellow and two granite boulders bearing memorial plaques, donated by local businesses, including those in Bolton.

The colour yellow was chosen to show the overwhelming love, support and remembrance to Mr Henning and his family that emerged after news of his kidnap broke.