VOLUNTEERS pitched in to restore a popular picnic bench on the Test Way, near Michelmersh.

The bench was restored by Sustrans volunteer rangers Eric Reed and Lindley Owen on Route 246, a 31.6-mile route on the National Cycle Network, which connects Timsbury to Kintbury, via Andover.

Lindley said: “Last November, it was covered in brambles. These were removed, showing that the top and benches had rotted, but the Hampshire County Council-stamped steel base was sound.

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“Thanks to support from Sustrans, and encouragement from the parish and county councils. The table and benches were renovated using preserved timber to the exact measurements of the original.

“Several passers-by stopped to thank us, and tell us about how much they value this and other walking, cycling and wheelchair-accessible routes in Hampshire.”

Sustrans is a charity that looks after a UK-wide network of traffic-free paths for everyone, connecting cities, towns and countryside.

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Kimberley Barber