THE first 'happy to talk' bench has been opened in Heybridge, Maldon.

Plantation Hall is the site of the site for the bench, which proudly boasts a sign declaring "Please sit here if you don't mind someone talking to you".

The idea of the bench is to help tackle loneliness and social isolation in the community by encouraging residents to sit and chat, so making new friends and acquaintances.

The bench was officially opened by Heybridge Parish Council Chairman Richard Perry, with Maldon District Councillor Chrisy Morris and Heybridge Parish Councillor Carey Martin among the first to try it out.

Chairman Perry said: "We hope, should it prove popular, to introduce more benches."