When spring unfolds in Darlington, an alley of crocuses serves as a poignant reminder of a long-lasting love.

Darlington residents will have noticed the carpet of blue, yellow and white flowers already appearing on the land at Southend Avenue - it's known as Crocus Walk for obvious reasons.

Darlington and Stockton Times: The crocuses in Southend Avenue, Darlington, were planted by Douglas Chilton, in memory of his wife, Maude, who loved the colourful flowersThe crocuses in Southend Avenue, Darlington, were planted by Douglas Chilton, in memory of his wife, Maude, who loved the colourful flowers (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

They trace back to Douglas Chilton, former director of Peases Mill, who planted them in memory of his wife, Maude, in 1980.

Mr Chilton was the former director of Peases Mill, which was where a multi-storey car park is today, and he and Maude had lived in Southend Avenue for decades.

The avenue was originally the entrance to Joseph Pease’s Southend mansion, which is now the Bannatyne hotel.

When Darlington council bought the avenue in 1897, Pease’s wall was lowered to make it feel more publicly accessible.

Crocuses from the Peases’ time were a favourite of Mrs Chilton.

Darlington and Stockton Times:

"Every year she looked forward to the spring so much, said Mr Chilton, who was chairman of the Darlington Conservative Association and was awarded an OBE in 1952.

“People used to call the little park outside our house Crocus Walk, and she would spend some time there every day – just sitting looking at the crocuses and the lovely colours,” he added.

The couple had been companions for 68 years and were married for 57 years. Following Maud's passing, Mr Chilton commemorated his beloved wife by donating 15,000 bulbs, costing £500.

Darlington and Stockton Times: The plaque in memory of Douglas Chilton explaining the touching reason why the patch of land there is covered in a bed of crocusesThe plaque in memory of Douglas Chilton explaining the touching reason why the patch of land there is covered in a bed of crocuses (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Subsequently, another 15,000 bulbs were donated the following spring to complete the carpet.

Mr Chilton, who died in 1986, therefore created an enduring tribute to his wife in the form of crocuses that bloom in late winter to early spring, spreading cheer in borders, containers, and lawns.

A plaque can now be seen in Southend Avenue in memory of Mr Chilton's act of devotion to his beloved wife.

Though additional types of crocuses flower in the autumn, these colourful carpets embody Maude's joy and the lasting memory of Mr Chilton's love.

More pictures of Crocus Walk in Darlington:

Darlington and Stockton Times: The crocuses in Southend Avenue, Darlington, were planted by Douglas Chilton, in memory of his wife, Maude, who loved the colourful flowersThe crocuses in Southend Avenue, Darlington, were planted by Douglas Chilton, in memory of his wife, Maude, who loved the colourful flowers (Image: SARAH CALECOTT)

Darlington and Stockton Times: The crocuses in Southend Avenue, Darlington, were planted by Douglas Chilton, in memory of his wife, Maude, who loved the colourful flowersThe crocuses in Southend Avenue, Darlington, were planted by Douglas Chilton, in memory of his wife, Maude, who loved the colourful flowers (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington and Stockton Times: The crocuses in Southend Avenue, Darlington, were planted by Douglas Chilton, in memory of his wife, Maude, who loved the colourful flowersThe crocuses in Southend Avenue, Darlington, were planted by Douglas Chilton, in memory of his wife, Maude, who loved the colourful flowers (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington and Stockton Times: The crocuses in Southend Avenue, Darlington, were planted by Douglas Chilton, in memory of his wife, Maude, who loved the colourful flowersThe crocuses in Southend Avenue, Darlington, were planted by Douglas Chilton, in memory of his wife, Maude, who loved the colourful flowers (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington and Stockton Times: The crocuses in Southend Avenue, Darlington, were planted by Douglas Chilton, in memory of his wife, Maude, who loved the colourful flowersThe crocuses in Southend Avenue, Darlington, were planted by Douglas Chilton, in memory of his wife, Maude, who loved the colourful flowers (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington and Stockton Times: The crocuses in Southend Avenue, Darlington, were planted by Douglas Chilton, in memory of his wife, Maude, who loved the colourful flowersThe crocuses in Southend Avenue, Darlington, were planted by Douglas Chilton, in memory of his wife, Maude, who loved the colourful flowers (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Darlington and Stockton Times: The crocuses in Southend Avenue, Darlington, were planted by Douglas Chilton, in memory of his wife, Maude, who loved the colourful flowersThe crocuses in Southend Avenue, Darlington, were planted by Douglas Chilton, in memory of his wife, Maude, who loved the colourful flowers (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)