COMMEMORATIVE benches have been installed across Andover to mark 100 years since the First World War.

The six unique designs came off the back of an Andover Town Council (ATC) initiative, which collaborated with Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC), and established a crowdfunding campaign.

TVBC’s Karen Hamilton, Carl Borg-Neal, Brian Page, Iris Andersen and John Cockaday gathered with ATC mayor Katherine Bird on Monday to mark the new benches at Saxon Fields and St Mary’s Church garden of remembrance.

Another three will be installed at Vigo Park, Andover War Memorial Hospital and as part of the Town Mills improvement project.

Cllr Bird said: “It has been a privilege to work with so many residents, businesses and partner organisations to fund these benches to mark all those who have served.

“Andover has a proud military history, and it is wonderful to see this reflected in some small way with these spaces for rest and reflection.

The crowdfunding campaign raised around £700 from personal donations to the cause, including a fundraiser by Andover Rugby Club and a business donation from David Mellor Jewellers.

ATC committed around £700 for the project and TVBC contributed a £1,900 grant.

Councillor Hamilton said: “It is great because we had an aspiration to bring more benches into the area, and this brings something into people’s day to day lives.

“Here at Saxon Fields its practical for dog walkers to come and rest, and it’s here so you can see the church and have that significant connection.

“We do have veterans that live here and it’s good to have community representation in different areas of Andover.”