A crowdfunder aimed at reaching £650 to replace the damaged bench had reached £1,300 less than 48-hours after is launch.

North Herts Pride, who organised the funding campaign, described the effort as a not a "replacement" but rather a "statement" that the community are proud, visible and "we're not going anywhere".

Damage to the bench has made national news but it remains unclear why the bench was partially set in fire and by whom.