VISITORS to Swinsty Reservoir are being encouraged to make a lasting monument - by donating a seat.

Yorkshire Water is currently making improvements to the footpath and car park at the Washburn Valley beauty spot.

And in response to requests from walkers, it is making available a limited number of places for seats to commemorate deaths or special anniversaries.

The seats cost around £350 each and a resting perch around £275 with text on a plaque extra - depending on the number of characters.

Geoff Lomas, catchment and recreation manager with Yorkshire Water, said: "We are often approached by the recently bereaved when they are looking to commemorate family or friends and a resting point is something which is often requested.

"We are now in a position to help, but we don't want to exclude anyone and a similar gesture would make an equally fitting birthday or anniversary surprise.

He added that the number of places where the seats could be placed was limited.

"The seats and perches are tried and tested and can accept text to celebrate a life or a particular occasion while helping people to enjoy the beautiful countryside around Swinsty Reservoir."

The water company has spent thousands of pounds improving access in the valley over the last two years.

Footpaths around Thrus-cross Reservoir have been upgraded, the toilet block at Swinsty refurbished and the Prince Rupert Ride, four miles of bridleways around Timble, opened.

Now, in the last few weeks, work, which is expected to be completed by the end of the month, has been taking place on the footpath of the eastern side of Swinsty Reservoir.

To increase accessibility for all, sharp slopes have been ironed out and paths widened to allow for pushchairs and wheelchairs to get through.

Viewing points for people to stop and enjoy views of the reservoir are also being created and resting points with benches and perches.

For more information about buying a bench or perch, telephone 01274 372742.