A MEMORIAL bench was unveiled in Droitwich to honour a popular resident who sadly died.

The bench in Addyes Way will serve as a lasting tribute to Colin Sawbridge, aged 69, of Falstaff Drive, who died in April after battling cancer.

More than 70 members of the Droitwich community came together to remember Mr Sawbridge who would have celebrated his 70th birthday on the day on the unveiling (Thursday, August 10).

The bench was funded by Mr Sawbridge’s wife Val and organised by Wychavon District Council.

The event included a balloon release and tributes from family and friends.

Mrs Sawbridge, aged 64, said: "We would speak about it (a bench) when we would go dog walking together.

"We have lived her 34 years – we would say 'wouldn’t it be nice to sit down together'.

"I’d say to Colin it would be a good idea to have a seat here. I said if anything happens to me ‘don’t you forget to put a seat here’.

"I never realised it would be for Colin instead."

Mr Sawbridge retired from his job at Royal Mail at 63.

Mrs Sawbridge added: "Thank you to everyone that gave their support."

She also gave thanks to Wychavon District Council and The Red Lion, who organised food and further celebrations at the pub.

Jayne O’Connor, greenspace officer at Wychavon District Council, said: "We were very happy to help Mrs Sawbridge organise the memorial bench. I met her at Addyes Way open space, we had a chat about Colin and chose a nice spot for the bench.

"Colin was clearly a popular and well-liked man and it’s great that there’s now a bench in tribute to him in place.

"We hope it will be enjoyed by both the people who knew him, and those who didn’t."