VISITORS to Minehead's seafront will be able to take the weight off their feet as they soak up the scenery thanks to some new seating.

West Somerset Council has used planning gain funding - money paid by developers to offset the impact of their schemes - to buy 18 new benches for the seafront area.

The seats, sited along the promenade and within the circular areas, are made from recycled plastic with metal frames, designed to be attractive but low maintenance and long lasting.

And the benches' 'green' credentials are given a further boost because not only are they made from recycled material, they can also be recycled themselves at the end of their life.

Cllr David Sanders, portfolio holder for regeneration and economic growth, said the council had been able to maximise the number of benches bought by using its own grounds maintenance staff to install them.

"I think everyone will agree they have done a great job and it has made a real improvement to the Esplanade.

Pictured with Cllr Sanders is Alcombe resident Yvonne Baker, a daily visitor to the seafront, who said she was delighted with the new seating.

"The benches look lovely on the seafront," she said.