Handcrafted benches built by the late Martyn Snell, a former mayor of Malmesbury, are to be put up in the town in his memory.

As a lasting legacy to the former councillor and firefighter, councillors are hoping to have the benches put up along the river bank near the fire station where he worked for more than 30 years in various guises.

Coun Kim Power, of Malmesbury Town Council, said: “I’m really pleased that we are able to provide a lasting reminder of Martyn; he will be sadly missed.”

Mr Snell, who was a Freeman of Malmesbury, died at the Great Western Hospital, Swindon, after a long battle with cancer on March 29.

Coun Simon Killane said: “We wanted to pick a place for the benches that Martyn loved. He worked at the fire station and he was very committed to fixing the benches along the river bank.”

Mr Snell built the benches using recycled materials, and they were initially designed to be placed in play parks around the town.

Coun Killane said: “I don’t know how long logistically it will take but we have also asked for an identification plaque to be put on them to explain why the benches are there.

"This is a small thing we as a town can do to show our respect.”

Mr Snell, 68, had served on Malmesbury Town Council since 1984 and was mayor in 1985 and 1994.

He was a devoted family man and had five children and ten grandchildren.