A SPECIAL bench has been dedicated to the memory of Caroline Robbins, a much-missed mum, parent and meal-time assistant at Exmouth’s Exeter Road Community Primary School.

The site of “Caroline’s bench” was chosen by her daughter, nine-year-old Lily, a pupil at the school.

As well as being a pleasant place to sit – and a nice place for Lily to remember her mum - it’s also a “make-a-friend” bench, so that lonely children can have new friends to talk to and play with.

Caroline died suddenly from cancer over Christmas.

“It was a big shock,” said Paul Gosling, the school’s head teacher. “She was in hospital and three weeks later she passed away.

“The community wanted to remember Caroline and had a collection, and the family contributed as well.

“We got enough together for a bench. It will be a nice way that Lily can sit on the bench and remember her mum, and other children can do the same.”

A dedication ceremony was held recently with the family. It was led by Sid Humphries, a teaching assistant who is training to be a vicar.

“If anyone’s no-one’s friend, they can sit at it,” said Mr Gosling. “We tell the other children, if you see someone sitting alone on the bench, they can sit next to them, have a chat, or play a game together.”

And what does Lily think of her mum’s bench?

“She’s very proud of it and I guess it’s helping,” said Mr Gosling.