VISITORS to a picturesque Saddleworth village can rest on a new bench in the shadow of a famous local poet.

Saddleworth Civic Trust has replaced the bench, famed for its distinctive double seat, on a pivotal site near Wade Lock, the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and Saddleworth Museum in the heart of Uppermill.

The bench, near the familiar statue of Ammon Wrigley, the legendary dialect poet, replaces the original which was first unveiled in 1974.

The new bench was funded by Saddleworth Civic Trust and built by Men in Sheds, under the expert eye of project co-ordinator Dave Freear.

Men in Sheds, which aims to combat isolation among over 55 year olds, is based at Waterside Mills, Greenfield, and run by Age UK Oldham. To find out more about the group contact Dave Freear: 0161 682 4747.