A MEMORIAL garden has been opened in Pershore in memory of the town's first dentist.

Pershore Library opened its newly refurbished memorial garden on Monday, in a highly anticipated ribbon cutting ceremony. 

The garden is dedicated to Pershore's first dentist, Maurice Banbury, who passed away in 1987, and whose plaque is on the wall of the library. 

Mr Banbury's children, Elizabeth and Richard, along with dog, Poppy attended. 

Worcester News: The new memorial garden The new memorial garden (Image: Newsquest)

Worcester News: The new community garden The new community garden (Image: Newsquest)

Ex-Pershore town councillor, Art Lavelle said: "This first came to my attention two years ago and its turned out better than I had expected. 

"A lot of people including myself didn't even know that this place existed.

"The hope is that children will be able to take this place over and in the summer come out with staff and use the open space. 

"They do a lot of craft work inside, but now they will be able to use this space as well.

"It's also more suitable for the disabled and the elderly, before this area was incredibly uneven and people with wheelchairs couldn't use it."

According to the town council, the project cost in the region of £9,300, with the majority coming from the community infrastructure levy, along with donations from Pershore Civic Society, the Pershore Placeboard and Worcestershire County Council.

 Elizabeth cut the opening ribbon and unveiled her fathers refurbished plaque. 

Ms Banbury said: "The garden is brilliant and fabulous. 

"I had no idea what to expect, but it's a great turnout and it's a big honour.

"He just loved everything Pershore, so it is so nice to see that this space has been dedicated to him again."

At least 30 people came to see the unveiling, with many choosing to stay and chat amongst the cake and coffee. 

Worcester News: People gathered to chat, with tea, coffee and cake People gathered to chat, with tea, coffee and cake (Image: Newsquest)

A former patient of Mr Banbury, Chris Ludlow said: "I first met him in 1959 when I was two. 

"I had damaged my teeth after falling out of my pushchair.

"I came when the garden was first opened and was someone who alerted the council to the state that the garden had become.

"Its great to see it back to see that it has been refurbished."

Jody Ford, Pershore library manager said: "Its super to see the community support the library and we look forward to using the space."