A BENCH in honour of one of Stourport's most loyal and well respected former mayors has been unveiled in a location "dear to his heart".

Twice mayor of Stourport, the late Mick Grinnall died, suddenly, aged 65, in September, 2003.

Former businessman, Mr Grinnall, who was born and bred in the town, had been a stalwart Labour member of Stourport Town Council for 20 years.

Even before the funeral, it had been decided a memorial to him should be installed in the Villeneuve-le-Roi Gardens - a canalside area he loved after he had been closely involved in its refurbishment. Now the idea for the memorial has become a reality, with the unveiling on Sunday of a cast iron and rosewood bench in Mr Grinnall's memory.

Pauline, Mr Grinnall's former wife, said: "We as a family have donated the bench and I wanted it to go in the gardens because Michael was instrumental in the revamping of the area. It is so appropriate. He loved the gardens and he always took a lot of pride in them."

She said the town council and the clerk, Dennis Rook, had been "marvellous" in helping the dream become reality.

She added: "There was no hesitation about the bench going on that spot and, for me, it is a privilege and a great honour."

She said 30 people attended, including his two sons, Neil and Paul Grinnall, councillors, mayor Allan Wood, and members of Stourport Rotary Club.

The unveiling was by the mayor of Villeneuve-le-Roi, Stourport's French twin town, and grandchildren, Robyn and Toby Grinnall.

Mr Grinnall was mayor in 1997-98 and again in 2001-02. He also served as a Wyre Forest district councillor for Stourport.