A MEMORIAL for former Welwyn Hatfield Times chief photographer Denis Williams has received a welcome boost – before it’s even been officially launched.

A campaign to raise �500 to have a commemorative bench in WGC named after Mr Williams began on Saturday at the Welwyn Hatfield Heritage Fair in WGC.

The fund was set up by Mr Williams’ good friend Tricia Gauduchon, who was at the heritage fair all day with donation buckets.

And the fund was given an instant boost when the Welwyn Hatfield Times pledged �250 to the cause.

When told of the donation, Mrs Gauduchon said: “That’s absolutely brilliant! I’m glad I’m sitting down.

“Thank you so much to everyone at the Welwyn Hatfield Times!”

Bristol-born Mr Williams was the Welwyn Hatfield Times’ chief photographer from 1959 until 1991. In that time, he took photos of all aspects of life in Times Territory, as well as fanatically pursuing his other great passion, jazz.

He died peacefully at his WGC home last October, aged 76.

“He devoted his life to WGC,” said Tricia, from Broadwater Crescent, WGC.

“Photography was his life, whether it was jazz or Welwyn Hatfield, and I think it needs to be recognised.”

There will be an exhibition of Mr Williams’ photographs at the New Maynard Gallery in WGC later in the year, as part of the 90th birthday celebrations.