A BENCH has been unveiled in a Darlington park in memory of a resident who was a keen bowls player.

Ken Abbott lived in Hummersknott Avenue for more than 30 years, after he moved from London in the 1970s.

He was a very keen bowls player, both indoors and outdoors, and represented many local clubs, the borough and the county over the years.

A bench, with an engraved plaque, has now been unveiled at South Park for his fellow bowlers to remember him.

His daughter, Sue Jones, said: "When he passed away last year, on New Year's Day, after a short illness, my sister and I wanted to do something to remember him by.

"Because of his love of bowling, I contacted South Park and as part of the renovation of the park through a Lottery grant, we have given a donation for a bench on the bowling green to be renovated and a brass plaque in memory of my dad."

Mrs Jones' sister, Linda Abbott, along with her four-year-old son Daniel, flew to Darlington from Spain at the end of last week to be at the unveiling.

Mrs Jones said: "To see the bench and the plaque in place was just lovely.

"It was raining when we went to see it, but even through the miserable weather the plaque was shining through.

"The park staff were extremely helpful and I hope his bowling friends go to look at the bench and use it during their games."