Celebrities give voice to benches

A series of "talking benches" voiced by such celebrities as Miranda Hart and Stephen Fry are being set up at eight beauty spots.

The National Trust enlisted the stars to record monologues for the benches, which give listeners a five-minute commentary inspired by their surroundings.

Fry recorded a commentary for a bench at Felbrigg Hall, Norfolk. He said: "I am very proud to be associated with a bench and I hope I provide comfort, balm and solace for many a weary bottom." Hart said it had been an easy decision to become somebody's "bench mate".