A NEW cemetery has become one of the first in the region to include a purpose built environmentally friendly burial ground. And already scores of inquiries have been received about the green facilities.

The first phase of the cemetery in Seaham's Byron's Walk was consecrated today by the Bishop of Jarrow, the Rt Rev John Pritchard and followed by an official opening by the Mayor of Seaham, Coun Charles Walker.

The initial phase of the new burial ground has been built to provide for the town's burial needs over the next 25 years and has cost £475,000.

The development covers a five acre site and is part of an overall 29 acres which was secured to provide burial space for the next 150 years.

The layout of the cemetery has been designed to take into account the existing levels of the land and the road and footpaths are not based on traditional straight lines but are curved and undulating.

Thousands of new trees 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 lawn burials there are also areas for cremated remains, a children's section and an area set aside for the spreading of ashes.

But the most unusual feature of the new facility is the large section which has been given over to green burials designed for those who wish to be buried in a non-traditional manner.

For those opting for the environmentally friendly burial there will be no headstones, instead a tree or shrub will be planted allowing the area to eventually develop into a woodland.

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

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

Bookings for the cemetery will be taken from May 3 2005, and anyone wanting further details should contact Seaham Town Council's Parks Department on 0191-5812943.