THE hard work of volunteers and supporters of a playing field in Whitchurch has been honoured with the purchasing of two benches.

The benches were purchased by the playing fields committee as a thank you to Peter Wagstaffe and Lady Irene Wallace.

Peter helped on the park for many years and served as chairman and Lady Wallace donated money for several years and left the park a donation in her will.

The family of both people attended the unveiling on Sunday in which current chairman Barry Hale expressed his thanks to the committee.

Committee member Jane Caine said: "Lady Wallace supported the park over many years as she had seen the work we do and appreciated the huge effort put in by all the volunteers.

"She came to know about the park as her sister lives locally. She also left us a bequest in her will when she sadly died.

"Her sister Mrs Fraser, who lives locally, attended with her daughter and grandsons who had travelled from Rickmansworth to attend.

"The committee is hugely grateful to these two people and to all our volunteers who work tirelessly to keep the park and nature area a great resource for local people.

"We would love more people to join us. We plan a 40 year anniversary summer fair and car boot sale on Sunday, August 18 and everybody is welcome."