A 'FITTING tribute' will be placed in memory of a former Assembly Member early next year.

A bench, purchased by the FC Nomads of Connah's Quay, will be placed in Wepre Park to pay tribute to the late Carl Sargeant, former AM for Alyn and Deeside.

The football club decided to purchase the item in memory of their president, which will be facing the pitch as he spent many weekends watching their games.

Cllr Bernie Attridge, chair, said: "At the end of the day, Carl spent a lot of time at Wepre Park when he was president and the club wanted to do something fitting for him.

"He used to sit on the bench himself when it was there so we decided to buy a nice bench.

"I see it as a fitting tribute and it is for people to sit on and enjoy, but also serves as a reminder for people why it's there."

The original idea was to have a wooden bench, but that had to be changed due to fears of vandalism.

Cllr Attridge added: "The ideal bench in the park would have been wooden. Fingers crossed no damage would have been done, but we wanted something lasting and something that couldn't be damaged.

"People do vandalise and at the end of the day that would have brought a lot of upset so we wanted it in lasting memory of the late Carl Sargeant."

It is hoped the seat will be set in place by the end of January and a small ceremony will be held.

A plaque will also be engraved onto the bench for people to see who it is from and who it is in memory for.

Jack Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside and current president for the club, told the Leader: "As president of FC Nomads I am honoured that the club is dedicating this bench in memory of dad.

"He loved football and spent many weekends supporting the grassroots game in his beloved constituency."