THE power of recycling has been demonstrated by two Ludlow town councillors.

In a collaboration involving town councillors Graeme Perks and Vivienne Parry benches that would have just been thrown away have been put back into use.

Now they will make the town look better and also give people a quiet place to take a rest and enjoy their surroundings.

Mrs Parry, who also sits for Ludlow south on Shropshire Council as well as leading the Ludlow in Bloom group, thinks that the project is a great example of how items that would have been thrown away can be put to good use.

But this would not have been possible without the talent and hard work of Graeme Perks, who is also on Ludlow Town Council.

Mr Perks’ first trade is as a carpenter and a highly skilled one at that having trained at the London School of Furniture.

He has put his skills to good use by transforming five old wooden benches that were found in a Shropshire Council depot in Craven Arms.

Thanks to his efforts the benches have now been put at different places throughout Ludlow.

Mr Perks has been involved in many community projects in Ludlow over many years and at one time he led an initiative training young people in artisan skills such as woodworking and cookery.

He founded the Ludlow young chef of the year competition that he used to stage at the annual Autumn Food Festival at Ludlow Castle.

His other work has included being involved with a group that staged a monthly litter pick throughout Ludlow.

“Graeme does such a lot for the town and does not ask for any recognition,” said Mrs Parry.

“He shows great enthusiasm and community spirit that benefits Ludlow.”

The restoration of the benches is also part of the annual award-winning Ludlow in Bloom project.

This has resulted in a string of gold awards - as success that was repeated last year.