A PIECE of history has been restored and preserved after a parish council came to the rescue.

The oak bench at the top of Aiskew Bank, near Bedale, North Yorkshire, could have been consigned to the tip after it fell apart.

But local historian Brian Hall and Aiskew and Leeming Bar Parish council, found the bench was a commemorative gift, over 78 years old, which the local community had raised money to buy to mark the coronation of King George V1 in 1937.

For generations it has stood on the edge of Aiskew, above the level crossing, providing a relaxing resting place for residents after they had climbed up the steep bank.

Mr Hall is only too well acquainted with the bench. His grandfather Esaw Croft Hall, so named because he had lived at Croft and walked to Bedale to find work as a stonemason, ran The Greyhound pub, now a private house, which stands next to where the bench is sited.

Parish councillor Margaret Tiplady said: “The bench was in a terrible state, it was falling apart, but when we examined it closely and saw the dedication for the coronation we decided it had to be repaired and preserved.

“It has cost around £1,000 to do the work, but it is a lovely oak bench and a big part of the history of the parish. We hope it will stand the test of time and be here in another 78 years.”