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A handcrafted commemorative bench has been installed at the Fylde Memorial Arboretum near Blackpool to honour the life and service of Gunner Lee Thornton.

The bench, designed and fabricated by metal artist Chris Kennedy of Grantham-based Roll and Scroll, was unveiled in the presence of Lee’s family and loved ones at a moving ceremony beside his memorial stone.

Lee tragically lost his life in 2006 while serving in Iraq, having volunteered to go out on patrol. His bravery, sense of duty, and enduring legacy are reflected in the memorial’s design – a place of quiet reflection and remembrance.

The bench was hot-dip galvanized at East Anglian Galvanizing Ltd to ensure long-term protection against corrosion. The process involves immersing the steel into molten zinc, creating a tough, metallurgically bonded coating that resists rust and the elements for decades.

Chris Kennedy explained: “I always aim to create memorials that are both meaningful and made to last. It’s important that these pieces can withstand the elements and continue to serve as a place for reflection over time. Galvanizing plays a key role in that, as it protects the steel and ensures the bench will stay in good condition for many years. This bench is a lasting tribute to Lee and his service.”

Selwyn Parish, Commercial Manager at the Sawtry-based plant, added: “We’re humbled to play a role in such a poignant memorial. Chris’s craftsmanship speaks for itself, and we’re proud to support him in ensuring these pieces remain safe and intact for generations. This isn’t just metalwork, it’s memory work, and it’s an honour to have been a part of it.”

The memorial bench was made possible thanks to support from Bar19 and Good Vibes Auctions, which helped raise the necessary funds to bring the project to life.

Chris, who runs Roll and Scroll, has created numerous memorial benches across the country, many of which have been galvanized by Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd plants. His work can be seen on his Facebook page, Roll and Scroll.

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