‘He proposed on this spot’ – memorial benches.

Awalk around Scarborough’s South Cliff gardens can lift the spirits in many ways.

People may be familiar with the stunning views, the beautiful landscaping and the elegant buildings.

But there is another reason to stop and linger a while which some visitors may not have expected.

The array of memorial benches in and around Esplanade and the gardens is vast.

You can’t help but be moved by the poignant and heartfelt messages, which tell of marriage proposals, happy holidays and couples reunited in the ever after.

The phenomenon hasn’t gone unnoticed by Adrian Perry, a founder member of the Friends of South Cliff Gardens and chairman of Scarborough Civic Society.

He said: “You can’t go along to South Cliff gardens without seeing somebody reading one of the benches.

“The stories really fire your imagination and bring you closer to those people who have enjoyed Scarborough and loved the town.

“There is so much emotion associated with the benches and people come back to visit them year after year.”

Adrian added: “The gardens are a very special place and an important part of the heritage of the town.

“I’ve never been anywhere where there are so many benches with messages in such a special location.

“Sometimes the messages bring a tear to your eye and sometimes they make you laugh.”

• The memorial bench scheme is administered by Scarborough Council.

To find out more, go to www.scarborough.gov.uk and search for Memorial Benches or call (01723) 232323.