FAMILY and friends of murdered musician Aaron Buron gathered to plant a tree in his memory at the college where he studied.

The weeping willow was planted at Oxford and Cherwell Valley College’s Blackbird Leys campus yesterday with a wooden plaque.

Dad-of-two Mr Buron, 29, had been studying carpentry at the college when he was stabbed in Rose Hill in March last year.

His parents Eden and Max Buron, from Rose Hill, helped plant the tree.

Mrs Buron said: “The tree is a fitting tribute to Aaron. It will continue to grow and flourish well into the future and help those visiting the college to remember who Aaron was. He was an OX4 boy at heart, and spoke about this in his songs, so we are pleased to be able to create this lasting legacy here.”

She added: “He was only at college for two terms but we know he made a real impact.

“Having originally trained as a chef he was committed to following a new path as a carpenter and forging a successful career. We also want to use his death as a way of raising awareness of knife crime and of warning others of the dangers.”

Rapper Mr Buron – also known as AZ – spoke out against knife crime in his songs.

Richard Coldwell, OCVC’s curriculum manager for construction, said: “Aaron enjoyed being at college and was committed to learning a trade that would help him to earn a good living to support his young family.

“The students and staff here are a very close-knit community and we are pleased to be able to do something for the family and for all those who knew Aaron.”

Haydan O’Callaghan, of Saunders Road, East Oxford, was sentenced to life imprisonment after a trial, with a minimum of 21 years after being convicted of Mr Buron’s murder.