Two benches memorialising service personnel have been unveiled following a successful fundraising campaign.

The benches were revealed on Wednesday last week (September 23), close to the Queen Elizabeth II statue and Oakham Library, in commemoration of armed forces personnel from Rutland.

Four months of fundraising by organisers Barry Swallow and Ian Reynolds amassed almost £4,000, prompting them to broaden their plans.

"The response from the public was amazing," Mr Swallow told the LDRS. "I had anticipated it would take a year to afford one bench, but we were able to buy two after just four months."

Mr Swallow said he and Mr Reynolds – the standard bearer and treasurer for the Royal Air Force Association's (RAFA) Rutland Branch respectively – were prompted to begin fundraising after identifying a lack of RAF memorialisation in Rutland, despite the county accommodating a large number of former service people.

"Our long term ambition was to install a bench commemorating every service, but we thought we'd start with an RAF bench," Mr Swallow continued.

"After help from organisations like the Oakham Memorial Institute, Oakham in Bloom and Tesco, plus a majority from the public, we had enough money for both."

The unveiling ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Rutland Lord Lieutenant Dr Sarah Furness and High Sheriff Susannah Fish, as well as senior military personnel including Air Marshal Philip Sturley, president of the Rutland RAFA branch.

Download our Nub News App!

- It’s FREE and available now
- Breaking news notifications
- Your Town in Your Pocket