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The ruling body of benchism, The Brotherhood of the Bench, has forgone the announcement of a shortlist due to late entries from cities vying for the role of inaugural city hosting the first International Bench Day (2007).

Following representations from an additional seven cities & states, and much deliberation, the Brotherhood of the Bench announced the result at a press conference held in a Northern working men's club.

Media interest was such that the press confernece had to be moved, before starting, from the basement games room to the function room on the first floor, where Mr Eric Olthwaite, the chairman of the Entertainments Committee, announced a delay of 90 minutes - although he agreed to open the bar (after which the bar reported record takings).

The Member's Bowling Green at the rear of the premises had been set aside for a dispaly of benches from around the world.

Each city that had initially lobbied to host the IBD 2007 were required to provide a bench (as set out in the competition rules of entry). Sadly, several cities were disqualified when their benches failed to arrive before the deadline.

The city that has been awarded the distinction of hosting the International Bench Day for 2007 is....

Springfield