VISITORS to Apex Park in Highbridge will be able to benefit from a new 16-seater park bench set to be unveiled today (January 19).

The £800 project, funded by Sedgemoor District Council, was led by volunteer Friend of Apex Park Valerie-Jane Morley and saw Bridgwater College carpentry students design, make and install the seating area.

The new and improved area of Apex Park also features a bark chipping path for ease of access and to encourage exploration of the woodland with a new interpretive walking trail set to be launched in 2015 to encourage further use of this area.

Made from European hardwood, the wraparound bench is fixed in place on a mature Black Poplar tree and is expected to have a lifespan of roughly 25 years.

Valerie-Jane said: “Our splendid new bench is placed at a halfway point from the River Brue back to the Apex car park – a welcome rest to take the weight off your feet or watch the clouds roll by.”

Mike Tozer, carpentry workshop manager at the college said: “Making the tree seat has been a great experience for our students both giving them real work experience and a chance to showcase the creative and skilful talent that they have.