TWO benches to help remember those who gave their lives to protect our freedom have been installed in a community.

Providing a space for reflection and mindfulness, the seats have been put in place, with one in Ramsey and another in Parkeston’s cemetery - all in time for VJ Day yesterday.

Leading up to last year’s VJ Day, which marked the 75th anniversary of the Japanese surrender and so the end of the Second World War, Ramsey and Parkeston Parish Council decided to source two new benches to commemorate the date.

In the run up to 2020, the council decided the old seat, in The Triangle at the junction of Main Road and The Street, in Ramsey, needed replacing and Parkeston cemetery seemed an appropriate place for the second bench.

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A suitable design was agreed by the council and the seats were commissioned, made of treated wood Acoya which has a low carbon footprint.

However, the pandemic delayed their manufacturing and the delivery until this year.

Parish councillor Vince Lungley, who led the project alongside Bill Davidson and Rob Passmore, said: “The parish council works very much as a team and we are delighted with the result.

“One seat has been placed in the cemetery where there are Commonwealth War Graves.

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“The second has been placed in The Triangle, which has historically had seating placed on it since early in the 20th century.

“It is popular with both villagers and walkers on the Essex Way which passes through the village.”

A statement from the council added: “It is crucial we never forget those who fought in both world wars.

“If it was not for the ultimate sacrifice of so many and the courageous service of all, we would not have the communities we love and enjoy so much today.

“The seats are a fitting memorial and will give enjoyment to many in the community for years to come.”