A benchmark in design and comfort for public seating has been set by a Colchester youth project.

Comfort in park - youngsters working with the Prince's Trust, Amy Christie and Kerry Storey, front, and Ryan Pierce and Peter Wares, back, show the finished bench to park ranger Will Jenkins and museums outreach officer Joanne Gray Picture: STEVE BRADING 40922-b

A dozen young people from the Prince's Trust worked with a furniture designer and two ceramic specialists to design seating for Colchester Castle and Castle Park.

They looked to the town's Roman and Norman past to inspire the transformation of six park benches, and the fruits of the Bench Mark project were unveiled on Friday.

Joanne Gray, outreach officer for Colchester Museums, said: "This is the result of fantastic partnership working which has been an interesting and rewarding experience for all involved.

"Everyone visiting the park and Colchester Castle can not only admire the benches but can also take the weight off their feet in style and comfort."

Published Tuesday, February 8, 2005

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