WALKERS on the coast-to-coast route can enjoy the panorama of Richmond in comfort, thanks to a bench built at a favourite viewpoint.

The town boundary at the top of Westfields was highlighted by hikers' champion Mr Alfred Wainwright, who devised the 180-mile walk from St Bee's in Cumbria to Robin Hood's Bay on the North Yorkshire coast.

The route goes through the centre of Richmond and Mr Wainwright listed the view from Westfields as one of the highlights.

Richmond civic society decided to mark the spot by installing a seat, set on a stone plinth.

The project attracted £300 of funding from the town council and the bench was officially unveiled by Mr Bev Joicey, civic society chairman, and Coun Tom Burrows, the mayor.

Volunteers from the town's Ragged Robins conservation group did the work with materials provided by Randall Orchard construction and Richmond farm and garden centre.

The last cast iron "Richmond" sign, which carries the former borough coat of arms, was incorporated.