Cleethorpes beach bench rebuilt after arson attack

A bench burnt to a cinder in an arson attack has been restored thanks to a coastal community.

Firefighters were unable to save the popular rest stop, built over many years using driftwood, at Buck Beck Beach, in Cleethorpes, in May.

Since then, the community has been helping rebuild the bench, complete with colourful flags and plaques.

Founder Nick Albion said of the bench: "It means so many things to so many different people."

Mr Albion explained many use the bench as a shrine to lost loved ones, with marriage proposals also having been made at the spot.

To celebrate the beach's resurrection from the ashes - aptly-named Operation Phoenix - sculptor Zoe Baker designed a plaque.

She said: "I read in the news that it had been burnt down. I was really saddened by it because I'm from Cleethorpes, we're all Cleethorpes - Cleethorpes means a lot to us."

Seeing the bench back in place, overlooking the sea, Ms Baker said: "It's incredible. It's made me a bit speechless."

Follow BBC East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk.