MORE people than ever can enjoy the beauty of Stamford Park thanks to a heart-warming initiative.

The Friends of Stamford Park established the ‘Bring Our Benches Back’ scheme after the Altrincham park lost the majority of its benches over time.

Trafford Council initially agreed to the installation of up to 30 sponsored benches and the first three have now been installed.

One of the benches was sponsored by the Hunt family, who have been using the park for six generations.

Family member Jackie Richards said: “Our family has had a long association with the area and so we decided to buy a bench for Stamford Park.

“There are currently three generations of Hunts living in Altrincham, Hale and Timperley and we all use the park regularly. Three previous generations have also lived in the Hale and Altrincham area, with family members managing the first Co-op in Altrincham and taking active roles at Timperley Hockey Club and Altrincham Football Club.

“We are delighted with ‘our’ new bench and hope visitors to the park enjoy sitting on it as much as we do.”

Another bench has been purchased in memory of James Lawrie and the third bench was purchased in memory of Joyce and Melvyn Roberts.

The Friends of Stamford Park said the reaction to the new benches has been ‘fantastic’ and that many people have commented that they bring a welcome place to rest.

More benches are planned this year and the group is actively looking for new sponsors. There are 27 potential bench sites available within the park and the benches are available for £1,300, which includes fitting and a memorial plaque.

Anyone interested in sponsoring a bench, contact chair of Friends of Stamford Park Simon Booth on chair@friendsofstamfordpark.org.uk. Alternatively, leave your contact details at the Little Deli on Stamford Park Road.