Visitors and locals will be invited to take a seat after a new addition to a community.

For years a bench under the beacon above Sutton Poyntz provided a welcome rest to walkers until it fell to pieces. Now a new bench has been installed after villagers received a £700 Watermark Award.

The Watermark Award provides funds for environmental projects within the Wessex Water area.

Jez Cunningham, a resident and committee member of the Sutton Poyntz Society said: “We are a small village of 230 households but that number swells enormously during the summer.

“Walkers, campers, caravanners and visitors from Weymouth come to enjoy the walk around the reservoir and of course the splendid view from the beacon.

“We had raised money to buy a new bench but we put up an information board explaining the ecology of the area and that left no money over. The ecology and geology of the area is fascinating.

“There are more than 20 natural springs that feed into the reservoir which supplies Weymouth with all its water. The village felt that, without this being pointed out, people would visit the area and take it all for granted."

He added: “Wessex Water are a big part of village life; they have done a lot for the village in the past and provided the last bench.

“We are delighted that they have given us a Watermark Award to buy this new one which should last for many more years as it is made out of recycled plastic and will not rot away like its predecessor.”

Paul Delves, Wessex Water’s Southern Projects Manager said: “I know this spot well and shall enjoy using the new bench.

“Wessex Water has been involved with the village for many years through the reservoir and the Wessex Water museum which is based in the village. We are pleased to support them and the many visitors that come to this local beauty spot by providing somewhere to sit.”

The Watermark Award has supported nearly 1,000 environmental initiatives.

To celebrate this milestone Wessex Water has launched a new Watermark Award. Now communities can apply for a special Anniversary Watermark to help with installing water bottle refill points that will reduce single use plastic drinking bottles.