TO COMMEMORATE the work of former long-serving Bradford on Avon town clerk Diane Holmes, who died in April, a memorial bench will be built in Westbury Gardens.

The town council unanimously agreed to install a park bench for Mrs Holmes, who served in the position from 2001-14, at Tuesday's full council meeting.

Widower John Holmes, who was married to her since 1980, was much obliged to the council for this kind gesture.

"It is a very nice and rewarding gesture that they have realised she was very instrumental in helping to shape Bradford on Avon today," he said.

"This is a lovely thing to do and I am very grateful that they are recognising her contribution to the town.

"She gave a lot to the place, such as helping with the arts festival, the Olympic effort and the Royal Jubilee among other things so it will be nice for people to be reminded of her name.

"It was certainly a surprise to find this out but it was a nice and very heart warming one at that."

As town clerk Mrs Holmes oversaw a number of projects including the Kingston Mills development, the refurbishment of St Margaret’s Hall, the Queen’s Jubilee, the West Wiltshire show and the Olympic torch relay.

Mayor Alison Craddock said: "We all wanted to do something to remember her by. She was an excellent town clerk in so many ways and is sadly missed.

"To have a bench that is near to the offices seems like the ideal place to do it. I am very pleased to come to an agreement about it.

"We feel it is a fitting gesture for someone who served this town so well and I look forward to it being put in place."

Deputy Mayor Gwen Alison added: "I think this is a lovely thing to do for someone who did a lot for Bradford on Avon. She was very helpful when I first became a councillor and I am very grateful for that."

At present the town council have ordered the bench in dedication of Mrs Holmes, who lived in the town for 25 years from 1987-2012, and will hold a ceremony when it is installed.

Mrs Holmes died at her home with her husband on Friday, April 8.