A 71-year-old woman was moved to tears on Friday when members of Silsden Youth Council presented a special bench in her name.

Silsden town councillor Patricia Bottomley helped to establish the youth council six years ago and is retiring after guiding many of the town’s young through creating three major park projects, costing more than £200,000 in total.

Many past members of Silsden Youth Council were present for the unveiling of Pat’s bench, along with Silsden Town Council members, Hothfield Junior School pupils and Keighley MP Kris Hopkins.

Cllr Bottomley said: “I was so surprised when I saw the bench, they had kept it a big secret and I couldn’t believe it — I was very emotional.

“It will sit overlooking all three projects we have completed to date in Silsden Park — the Rocks and Ramps skate park, the toddler play area and now the 7 Up project.

“I have been very proud to work with some wonderful young people in this town and a lot of good has come from the youth council.”

The unveiling of the bench took place at the same time as the official launch of the youth council’s latest venture, the 7 Up project in Silsden Park, designed for children aged seven and above.

Cllr Bottomley has been heavily involved in trying to get funding for the projects from various bodies and co-ordinating their design and implementation.

Afterwards guests were treated to a finger buffet.

Silsden town councillor Ashley Johnson-Gill will now supervise the youth council.

He added: “It was a wonderful, memorable day.”

The bench was funded by Bradford Council’s parks and landscapes department.