'Amazing generosity' after bench stolen from Wirral British Legion

It was reported missing from Higher Bebington Royal British Legion on October 18 by a cleaner at the premises.

Paul Yates, the legion's chairman, had appealed for the bench to be returned. A member of the public read about its disappearance, contacted the club and offered to donate a replacement.

The bench (in background) that has been donated to Higher Bebington Royal British Legion and is situated by the Cenotaph (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest) Mr Yates told the Globe: "We'd like to thank Ronnie Strange of Rock Ferry, who kindly donated this beautiful bench for the one that got stolen. 

"It's a fantastic gesture and a good, solid bench. It's important to realise there's good in the world as well as bad.

"Everyone at the club is made up with it. It's Remembrance Day on Sunday and we've got a bench back where we had one.

"We can't thank Ronnie enough for donating this bench to us; he was a genuine, lovely fella.

"He rang up and said he was appalled by the theft of the bench and would like to donate this bench to the club. I was overwhelmed, made up with it."

Paul Yates, chairman of Higher Bebington Royal British Legion Social Club, with bench that has been donated to Higher Bebington Royal British Legion by Ronnie Strange from Rock Ferry (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest) Reflecting on the disappearance of the other bench, Mr Yates said: "It was last seen on the Thursday night and reported missing by the cleaner on Friday morning. We checked the cameras and couldn't see anything showing it being taken away.

"It was quite heavy and would have taken two people to have lifted it. We've asked everywhere, shopkeepers etc, if they've seen and also checked the local area for any sign of it, but nothing.

"I just find it appalling that someone would pinch from a cenotaph - a tribute to ex-servicemen who've given everything for their country. It just beggars belief what the world is turning into; it's getting lower and lower.

"It's upsetting, because it's a fantastic club. It's been struggling since Covid and has volunteers helping out, getting the place ready for the Remembrance Sunday parade.

"If we get the stolen bench back, we'll let you know."