A NEW cemetery has become one of the first in the region to include a purpose-built environmentally friendly burial ground.

Several inquiries have already been received about the green facilities.

The first phase of the cemetery, in Seaham's Byron's Walk, was consecrated yesterday by the Bishop of Jarrow, the Right Reverend John Pritchard, and was followed with an opening ceremony by the Mayor of Seaham, Coun cillor Charles Walker.

The initial phase of the burial ground has been created to provide for the town for 25 years and has cost £475,000.

The five-acre development is part of a 29-acre site, which was secured to provide burial spaces for 150 years.

The layout of the cemetery has been designed to take into account the lie of the land, and the road and footpaths are not based on straight lines, but are curved and undulating. Thousands of saplings have been planted on the site, which will eventually have the effect of extending the Great North Forest on east Durham's coastline.

As well as providing for traditional burials, there are also areas for cremated remains, a children's section and an area set aside for ashes.

But the most unusual feature is the large section that has been given over to green burials, designed for those who wish to be buried in an environmentally friendly way.

For those opting for it, there will be no headstones. Instead, a sapling or shrub will be planted, allowing the area to develop into a woodland.

Only biodegradable coffins and burial containers will be allowed, and Seaham Town Council has already received many inquiries about plots.

Only a small unobtrusive building has been allowed on the site to provide a toilet block and depot.

Inquiries can be made on 0191-5812943