AN artwork celebrating a historic former cattle market has been unveiled beside Monmouth’s 785-year-old Monnow Bridge.

Sculptures of auctioneers’ assistant Jim Shankland, a Welsh mountain sheep and a Hereford bull have been installed with a bench beside the entrance to the ancient crossing, overlooking the former livestock market site, which closed in 2003 and is today the Blestium Street car park.

The town is one of 79 communities to be involved in the Sustrans national social history project The Portrait Bench, which aims to recognise and remember inspirational individuals across the UK.

Jim was auctioneers’ assistant for agricultural estate agents and auctioneers Rennie Taylor and Till, today just known as Rennies.

Life-sized figures were cut from sheet steel and installed by a simple bench to encourage people to sit or step up into the space and become a part of the portrait.

The features of each character have been simplified while retaining their essential characteristics, reflecting those things that are important to the community and celebrate the uniqueness of each location.

The characters were chosen by the Monmouth Links Steering group from a list of suggestions put forward by the public. Communities across the UK nominated local people for the contribution they have made to local life, culture or history to become one of the 250 portraits.

Monmouthshire Council Cabinet Member for operations Cllr Bryan Jones said: “Monmouth is a town rich with history. I am so pleased that the livestock market has been commemorated in such a thoughtful and interactive way.

“I hope locals and visitors to the town take a minute to sit on the bench and think about what once existed in the town. It is fantastic to see local people remembered and even more pleasing to see nominations came from local residents.”

Sustrans promotes and enables people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for every day journeys. Find out more at www.sustrans.org.uk

Find out more about Connect2 in Monmouth and how to find this portrait bench at www.sustrans.org.uk/portraitbench