CARING staff from the Midcounties Co-operative joined forces with local residents to help raise funds for a new memorial garden at Gornal Cemetery.

They combined with volunteers from the Bereaved Parents Group to collect over £2,500 towards The Honeycomb Garden Project which is due to be completed next year.

Money was obtained through a variety of activities that included car washes, coffee mornings and bake sales.

The funds will go some way to supporting the Honeycomb Project which is being led by Dudley Council Cemetery and Chaplains from Russells Hall Hospital who are attempting to raise an overall total of £30,000.

The memorial garden has been designed by borough artist Steve Field and comprises eight honeycomb shaped walls, which will be erected to provide families with a calming place for them to reflect and pay tribute.

The design also contains specific areas for people to leave sentimental items such as toys and teddies in memory of loved ones.

Woodcarver Robot Cossey has also contributed to the memorial garden by creating four free standing statues which have been inspired by children's book characters Teddy, Pigwig, Rabbit and Donkey.

Reverend Mark Stobert , chaplaincy team leader, said: "The site is an important aspect of the grieving process. It's fantastic knowing that what we're creating will help local families in the months and years to come.

"The Midcounties Co-Operative's donation will greatly help our efforts to make it a fitting memorial to the young lives that have been lost."