THE village of Shalden turned out in force on Saturday for the official unveiling of a bench in memory of Mike Trapaud.

Mike was the parish clerk to the village for 54 years and in 2012 was awarded the British Empire Medal for his services to the village.

He died last October and such was his popularity that when the idea of a commemorative bench was circulated more than 40 families contributed to the cost of the bench and building a plinth to position it in the entrance to Shalden village hall.

More than 60 people, both current and former residents, attended the ceremony, joining Mike’s wife, Jane Trapaud, and family - seen here sitting on the bench.

Many were regular attendees of the monthly garden club that Mike chaired for so many years.