A special hybrid rose planted in memory of a much loved Alsager businessman and Merchant Navy seaman will act as a "symbol of hope and love" to passers-by.

The "Ted White" rose was planted by the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire Joelle Warren at Alsager Garden of Remembrance watched by crowds of people.

Blessing the rose, the Rev Michelle Goodrich, priest in charge at St Mary Magdalene's Church, Alsager told Royal British Legion members and others it was "a symbol of hope".

Designed by Alsager botanist, James Campbell, who himself served his country as a submariner, sales of the hybrid rose will now go towards the Alsager branch of the Royal British Legion.

The Rev Goodrich said she had been honoured to conduct Edward (Ted) Bioletti–White's funeral two years ago in March.

Those assembled heard that Ted Rose had run a photography business in Alsager years before and was a popular man in the town.

His son, Peter White, said he was honoured when asked about the plan and was equally honoured to

share his memories of his dad at the rose planting ceremony. Dennis Bioletti–White was born in 1924. He joined the Merchant Navy in 1939 His first posting was on the Alderamin in 1941, a Dutch ship that carried cargo between Hull and Africa for the war effort. In 1942, Ted contracted malaria and left the ship which was later torpedoed by a U-boat, killing 64 crew. Ted transferred to the Royal Navy as a merchant seaman and contracted Tuberculosis and was discharged from the Navy moving to Alsager in 1945 where he met his wife. He was an important part of the community belonging to The B'Hoys, the Freemasons, the 41 Club and the Alsager branch of the Royal British Legion holding the positions of president and chairman. Sadly in Jannuary 2020, Ted died age 95 Alsager botanist, James Campbell, was present at the planting ceremony when a brass plaque dedicated to the famous Alsager resident was placed in front of the rose. A spokesman from the Alsager branch of the Royal British Legion said: "Ted was a wonderful man known to so many in Alsager. "He was a lovely character. We decided to name the rose after him as a tribute to his service, sacrifice, community spirit and friendship. He gave so much. "