Mr Thorpe was a road sweeper across areas in Batley, before moving on to work on the streets in Dewsbury – including its town centre.

The 58-year-old was found dead at his home in Batley Carr on February 21.

A post mortem revealed he died from serious head injuries.

Hundreds attended the funeral of the popular council worker, which was held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Thornhill Lees.

Members of the Batley Business and Retailers Association gave £50 towards the bench, which was also dedicated to Dewsbury road sweeper Sean Henry, who died recently.

They joined Dewsbury businesses and customers, along with family, friends and colleagues of Eddie and Sean, in raising cash for the bench.

And Ruth Sharpe, owner of Sharpe's Glass in Batley's Commercial Street, donated the memorial plaque which will be placed on the bench. Batley and Dewsbury town centre management also donated £50. The bench will be placed in Dewsbury town centre

The collection was organised by Sandra Quayle, owner of Quality Save in Dewsbury.

She said: "We've been delighted with the response – this shows how the community can pull together.

"Eddie and Sean were really popular characters and the bench will be a place where people can remember them in one of their favourite spots."