A special fund has been set up in tribute to a Buckley archaeologist, to help keep the memory of her alive.

Karen Gavin, 57, lost her long struggle with lymphoma and Covid, at the Christie Hospital Manchester on February 18, 2021.

It was Karen's passion for archaeology that has led to her husband Tony Gavin, employer Big Heritage and Chester University - where Karen graduated - establishing a community archaeology fund in her name, to continue her love for training and supporting the next-generation of potential archaeologists.

Along with her strong love of family - the couple have two daughters, Sally and Rebecca - Karen loved archaeology in equal measure.

Tony said: "Karen's life was archaeology, it wasn't a job, it was a pleasure.

"Every holiday we had was meticulously planned to take in the archaeology."

It was her work with others that Tony believes most will remember Karen for.

He said: "Working for Big Heritage as a community archaeologist was what she will be best remembered for by many.

"She was affectionately known as the 'volunteer whisperer' because of her unique ability to put volunteers and school groups at ease and to enthuse them on the subject.

"A number of those that worked with Karen over the years were so inspired by her that they went on to further their education in archaeology at college and university."

Both Karen and Tony were avid fans of TV show, Time Team, and Karen even went on to work with some of her heroes.

Talking about the planned community archaeology fund, Tony added: "The fund will support a number of community archaeology projects locally and also provide support to archaeology students from Chester University, where Karen herself studied many years ago.

"Working with hospitals, mental health organisations and primary and secondary schools on various archaeology projects was what Karen excelled at and what she enjoyed the most.

"Literally thousands of children and older folk have worked alongside Karen, dirtying their hands in archaeological test pits and trenches over the years."

The fund is off to an impressive start, and a testament to the person Karen was.

Tony said: "I set up a GoFund me page to raise funds to finance various community archaeology projects locally, with a target of £10,000, which I thought was ambitious at the time.

"Only five days later that target had been exceeded. I had vastly underestimated the number of people that Karen's community work had had a positive effect upon and who remembered her fondly and wanted to support the fund established in her name."

• If you would like to make a donation, please visit - https://www.gofundme.com/f/karen-gavin-archaeologist-memorial-fund