A park bench that left passers-by tickled pink after a surprise makeover is now a place where friendships can begin.

The seat on the Ashfield Estate, Kirkby, made the headlines last year after it was painted pink overnight, not long after it was installed.

This inspired Ashfield District Council to give it a proper lick of paint after reading the positive responses to its new look.

It has now been painted bright print and transformed into a friendship bench, overlooking a pond. The council said it would be a place where people who are feeling lonely and wanting someone to talk to can use to strike up a conversation.

Council leader Coun Jason Zadrozny, pictured (back) with Coun David Walters, said: “We were told how painting the bench pink had brought a smile to so many faces and we wanted to make it a permanent feature.

“It can be hard to form friendships as we get older, so this bench is the perfect spot to start a conversation. It is a talking point and definitely eye catching.

“While we do not condone painting council property, on this occasion it has inspired us to create something special for the people of Ashfield.”