A MEMORIAL bench and plaque has been set up on a Barry beach in memory of a teenager who died earlier this year.

Morgan Ackerman was 16 years old when he died on Wednesday, January 4.

He suffered serious injuries after he was hit by a taxi on Barry Road, opposite the junction with Llewellyn Street at around 10.30pm on Tuesday, January 3.

He was taken to Cardiff's University Hospital of Wales but died the next day.

After a fundraising appeal raised enough cash to pay for a memorial plaque Barry resident Sue Eldridge refurbished a bench at Jackson's Bay for it be placed on.

Ms Eldridge said: "I paint and restore Cardiff council’s park benches through a charity I work for - Vision 21 – which provides work experience for adults with learning needs."

She added she hoped her work would be "a small way to help" to ensure Morgan’s memory lived on.

"I have a daughter the same age and some of her friends were very close to him," she said.

"I just hope it will be a place where his family and friends can have happier memories when they are ready."

The parks department at Vale of Glamorgan Council had the plaque inscribed with words requested by Morgan’s mum Leanne Owens and installed it again at no cost.

Ms Owens said: "I would like to say a big thank you to all those who have been involved in getting this memorial bench in memory of my son Morgan.

"I can now sit at this lovely location with such beautiful views and have some wonderful memories."

Floral tributes were laid at the scene where Morgan, or 'Morgie' as he was known to friends and family, was hit, and a book of condolences was opened in St Mary’s Church, Holton Road.