A CEREMONY has been held to dedicate benches in memory of three former residents of a parish.

Esh Parish Council installed the seats in tribute to former residents Doreen Cummings and Norah and Norman Gowland.

The benches have been dedicated by parish priest Father Martin Morris at a ceremony attended by civic leaders, family and friends.

A tireless church worker and former member of the parish council, Doreen Cummings was a key member of several community organisations, including the advice body Soapbox and the parish lunch club.

A seat in her memory has been installed at the top of the Silly Steps, near the Board Inn at Hill Top.

In addition, a seat in memory of the Gowlands was opened opposite the children's play area at Quebec.

Norman Gowland, who as a university student would cycle from County Durham to Birmingham for his studies. He spent part of the Second World War as a prisoner in Germany's Spangenburg Castle.

After the war, he became a teacher and went on to become deputy headteacher of Esh Winning Junior School and headteacher of Cornsay Colliery School.

His wife, Norah, was a popular figure in the area and a regular supporter of countless village causes.