The county's first 'Friendly Bench' has been installed in the hope it will encourage people to meet up outside and combat loneliness.

The seat, made from solid hardwood, is next to the Tonbridge Baptist Church, in Darenth Avenue, and has space for up to 12 people.

It is the latest addition to the national Friendly Bench scheme and features a mini community garden, with plants and flowers.

The aim is to create a space for people to meet, talk and connect with nature.

Founder and CEO of the scheme, Lyndsey Young, said: "We are thrilled to be bringing the Friendly Bench to Tonbridge, which is sure to play a vital role in reconnecting people back to their community and tackling loneliness and social isolation which is experienced by so many.

"By creating a welcoming, inclusive, accessible and well-located social space to meet, chat, rest and enjoy the benefits of being outside, we believe the Friendly Bench will make a real difference to the lives of local people."

On Thursday, October 6, the Mayor of Tonbridge Cllr Sue Bell was joined by pupils from Long Mead Primary School and residents of the Tonbridge Baptist Church day centre to declare the bench officially open.

She said: "The Friendly Bench is such a wonderful idea and will no doubt become the hub of community life here.

"I’m delighted to officially open the bench which will provide a safe space for people to meet up outside throughout the seasons."

The project was funded by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council as part of the Community Parks scheme.

Additional projects in this scheme include a pirate ship play area, gazebo and seating area in Chapman Way, East Malling, and cycle-themed benches and picnic tables soon to be installed at the new pump track at Snodland Community Centre in Paddlesworth Road.

Community engagement worker for Tonbridge Baptist Church, Emma Lander, said: "We are thrilled to have a Friendly Bench in trench.

"Local people are already using it and we have lots of ideas for events and opportunities focussed around the bench to bring people together to re-engage with their community and in turn reduce social isolation and loneliness."