Work has been completed by Network Rail to protect the Grade II listed bench at Scarborough railway station to make sure it can be enjoyed by passengers in the future.

The unique bench is reported to be the longest in the world and is 139 metres long and is fixed to the retaining wall at Scarborough railway station.

The bench is thought to date back to 1883 when the station was built by William Bell for the North Eastern Railway.

The cost of the restoration was £14,500 and saw Network Rail replace all of the nuts and bolts as well as painting all of the cast iron supports.

Work has also taken place to replace seat and backrest, which is a special type of pine timber, called Accoya, which is sustainable and gives a life span of 50 years.

Craig Hall, Programme Manager for Network Rail, said: “This is a unique bench and we really wanted our restoration work to do it justice, so that it can continue to be enjoyed by visitors and residents for years to come.”

“We’re really happy with the results, which is testament to the hard work and dedication of the teams who carried this out.”

Mike Drewery, TransPennine Express’ Station Manager for Scarborough, commented: “Scarborough railway station is steeped in history and we are very proud to be the home of the longest railway bench in the world.”

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