Middlesbrough’s new 'buddy benches,' located near the junction of Roman Road and Cambridge Road in Linthorpe, offer a bright and welcoming space for people to pause, reflect, or connect with others. Joely Dodsworth, a resident of Linthorpe, said: "Our new buddy benches are awesome. The benches were given a colourful refresh by Middlesbrough’s Community Caretakers to encourage conversation. The project was developed by the Friends of Linthorpe community group. "I’d also like to thank the Community Caretakers who have done an amazing job."