THE sun broke through the clouds just in time for a new memorial bench to be unveiled at Gaer Junior School for a special former pupil.
Ben Thomas, who would have been 19 now, died in 2006 after a long battle with cancer.
Pupils from the student council joined Ben’s parents, Jo and Darren, to see the bench being presented by Newport City Homes on Thursday.
Mr Webb, head teacher at the school, said: “He was one of the nicest boys we have had in the school. I only wish Ben was still here so I could go to the pub and have a pint with him.”
A wild meadow area in the school grounds has been known as Ben’s meadow since he died. But time has taken its toll on a small bench, which is now rotting.
The new bench, which will be installed in the meadow complete with two planters, has a plaque which reads: In memory of Benjamin Thomas.
Mr Webb said the school council’s role now was to show the bench to their fellow classmates and tell them why it’s special.
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