A memorial bench erected for well known farmer and local councillor Brian Gregg at Fearby near Masham has already caught the attention of visitors.

Masham Young Farmers and the Gregg family unveiled the bench at Fearby in the wild flower meadow which had been sown by Fearby, Healey and District parish council in memory of Brian, a councillor for well over 20 years and a past chairman.

Mr Gregg, 68, died last year in a tragic accident. 

Parish clerk Alan Greensit said: “Brian was very well thought of by both council and members of the public. His heart was for Fearby and he spent a lot of time making Fearby the village it is today.

"The council decided to sow a wild flower meadow in memory of Brian as this was his heart. He previously tried to do it but had opposition. This time it had the full backing of the village.

“Permission was granted from Swinton Estate who owned the green, the land was worked by councillors and Masham Young Farmers, the seed was donated by a Fearby resident. Brian’s son James, now a councillor in his father's place, looks after the plot.

“Brian was very active in the Masham Young Farmers Club who donated the bench. To quote the current secretary: ‘The bench is in memory of Brian Gregg who was a huge part of Masham Young Farmers Club and kept the club running when times got hard. Without him the club would probably not be as successful as it is today’.

“The family are fully supportive of this and look forward to enjoying the wild flowers and the people who will stop and relax there. Brian would always be the one to stop and talk to anyone he met.”

Brian’s bench caught the attention of visitor and Darlington and Stockton Times reader John Jeffers, who sent in a photograph. He said it was an ideal place to sit and remember adding: ”It is set in a natural habitat of flowers to attract butterflies bees and other insects. A tranquil place to sit and remember loved ones passed. What a lovely thing to do.”