A CASH boost has been given to a village cemetery to expand.

Newland Homes has provided Mickleton Parish Council with £20,000 to extend the churchyard of St Lawrence Church in Mickleton.

The extension will be located behind the existing modern burial area and has been designed to enhance the biodiversity of the area with new hedgerows being planted.

The extension will extend 37 metres to the east and should provide Mickleton’s residents with a sufficient burial and ashes internment spaces for the next 80 to 100 years.

The existing bridleway across the field has also been re-routed to follow the edge of the new cemetery.

There is also the First World War grave of a fallen Belgian soldier, Victor De Martelaer, who, in 1914, was brought to Mickleton to be treated at the Voluntary Aid Detachment Hospital at Norton Hall, Mickleton for a gunshot wound to the chest.

Chris Morecroft, chairman of Mickleton Parish Council, said: “This extension is planned to blend into the existing natural countryside and enhance the area’s biodiversity.

"We’re pleased that Newland Homes has provided us with the funds to allow us to complete the extension, which will contribute to the emotional wellbeing of Mickleton.”

Andrew Billings, land director for Newland Homes, added: “After discussions with the parish council about what would benefit the community most, they asked that we supported the cemetery extension.

"We’re very pleased to now be able to hand over the money and see the works starting in the near future.”