THE Jane Austen memorial bench has returned to Winchester.

Visitors and residents of the city can once again admire the memorabilia dedicated to the writer, which has now taken up residence outside the mayor’s official residence, Abbey House.

The Jane Austen 200 bench was commissioned by Winchester City Council and carved by local sculptor Nicola Henshaw, to commemorate the 200 year anniversary of Austen’s death.

Children at Winnall Primary School were selected to help design the bench.

Before its current location, the memorial was displayed outside Winchester College for a few weeks.

Councillor Caroline Horrill, leader of the city council, said: “This unique addition to The Broadway enhances the welcome to the city and reminds people of Winchester’s rich history and links with the globally celebrated author, Jane Austen.”