A new memorial garden to commemorate the life of one Lyme Regis trustee has opened up at Lyme Regis Museum.

Trustee and dear friend of the museum Paul Mason died in 2021. Mr Mason lived in London, where he worked as a banker, but he regularly visited Dorset.

The centrepiece of the ‘Paul’s Place’ garden area is a bench which artist Petter Southall crafted from Sladers Yard in West Bay.

The museum said that the 'new space creates a lasting presence in a place Paul considered his happy place and loved so much.'

The garden was officially opened on October 28 at 3pm with family, friends and museum colleagues in attendance. Afterwards a drinks reception was enjoyed at the neighbouring Lyme Bay Café.

Paul’s sister Rachel said: “Paul loved Lyme Regis. From an early age he spent many summers in Lyme on family holidays and as an adult made it his second home. He introduced many of his friends to Lyme and created happy memories for all that visited. He also made friends in Lyme and was delighted to be able to join the Museum as a Trustee. Paul was proud of his role as Trustee and relished the chance to lend his business acumen to support the continued success of the Museum.

“After his tragic death the Museum staff thought a lasting memorial to Paul in the form of a piece of non-representational (abstract) art would be a perfect way to mark Paul’s life and contribution. We as Paul’s family are honoured and so pleased that funds raised by friends and family have gone towards creating a space, to sit and reflect and enjoy the beauty of Lyme Bay. As Paul enjoyed over a number of years.”

Museum director Bridget Houseago said: "It's really important to remember our dear trustee and friend, who had such a deep connection to Lyme Regis and the Museum.

"He had a job which took him all around the world but he always made time to come back to Lyme Regis."

The garden was paid for by donations from Mr Mason's friends and family, as well as the Museum.

For more information, please contact ewentzell@lymeregismuseum.co.uk