AN appeal to replace a vandalised memorial bench for Weymouth's best-known musical fundraiser has been met with overwhelming success.

Charlie Powlesland died last year and was known for playing his accordion and raising more than £20,000 for different charities.

His commemorative bench outside Alf's Fish and Chip Shop in Lynch Road was damaged, and owner of the shop ,John Pearce, asked the public to help him replace it.

After receiving many offers he decided that a new bench will be carved from Portland stone by a Chickerell stonemason and the existing bench will be fixed by young volunteers from the Compass Centre.

He said: "We had more than 25 people ring up and many offers of help because people knew Charlie and thought what happened to his memorial was disgusting."

Alan Wolsey, a stonemason of Chickerell, has offered to supply a bench carved from stone because he has fond memories of Charlie.

He said: "I remember Charlie from when I was boy.

"He used to walk around with his accordion and I would stop and talk to him.

"He really was a lovely man."

"When I heard what happened I wanted to make a bench for him that would last for years and years because I don't want it to get vandalised again."

Students from the Compass Centre, Lynch Lane, Weymouth, will also be giving up their spare time to approach local businesses for materials so they can rebuild the existing bench.

Mr Pearce said he has also received donations from locals and customers and an £80 cheque from Ideal Builders in Portland that will be donated towards the repairs.