A NEW bench has been installed at a Bolton beauty spot, to replace one destroyed by vandals.

In September, a bench was ripped from the ground and dumped by the river at Seven Acres Nature Reserve, in Breightmet.

It was the third bench to be vandalised in the space of a few months.

Following an article in The Bolton News, an anonymous donation of £150 was made to the Friends of Seven Acres.

The donation, along with a donation from Bolton Green Umbrella went towards the cost of a new bench - which has now been installed on the reserve’s Pebble Beach.

John Franklin, of the Friends said: “The Friends of Seven Acres and the Seven Acres Squad work tirelessly every Friday throughout the year doing conservation work – under the guidance of the Wildlife Trust.

“Each week, as we work around the reserve, we litter-pick and we get compliments and thanks from the members of the public. Recently they have been saying ‘It would be so nice to have somewhere to sit’.”

Alan Wright, of The Wildlife Trust added: “While we are delighted that this new bench will be available for visitors to lovely Seven Acres Nature Reserve, it is a shame that they have had to replace those damaged by vandals.

“While these people destroy things without thinking about others, it is heartening to hear of someone making such a generous donation to help replace them."

The Friends of Seven Acres are still looking for donations to buy more benches. To donate, visit www.7acres.org.uk.