A new ‘happy to chat’ bench has come to Wimbledon Common to help combat loneliness.

The bench, facing Rushmere Pond, features a special plaque inviting people to sit if they are happy for others to stop and say hello.

It’s dedicated to Mary Purcell Cosgrave, a much-loved resident who lived in the area for 40 years and ran regularly on the Common.

Mary’s daughter Jill, says “my mother particularly loved Rushmere Pond and she would have loved this initiative.”