WORK is being carried out to help improve the appearance of a cemetery.

Hartlepool Borough Council's countryside wardens and volunteers have been tidying up the entrance to the Spion Kop Cemetery, which overlooks the North Sea near the town's Central Estate, removing unwanted plants such as ragwort and hoary cress from the site.

The cemetery, which dates back to 1856, is a dune grassland habitat containing more than 100 different plant species.

The council is working closely with the Friends of Spion Kop to look at ways of improving the site and earn it recognition, not only as a burial ground but as a place of natural beauty. It is hoped it will become the town's sixth Local Nature Reserve (LNR).

Joe Davies, the council's LNR officer, said: "The dune grassland of the cemetery is a marvellous wildlife habitat, and as such, it needs to be preserved.

"Through the Friends of Spion Kop, volunteers and partnership groups, the council is working towards a long-term programme of caring for the cemetery.

"Footpaths have been mown through some of the grassland in the cemetery, to provide access for visitors. Areas of uncut grass within the burial sections are the result of nature conservation and not neglect."

At present, the burial sections are left to harmonise with nature, enhancing the displays of wild flowers throughout the spring and summer months.

Mr Davies said: "Cutting the grass on the burial sections will take place at the end of the growing season, and the clippings from that will be removed."

Over the coming month, further work will be take place. Anyone who would like to find out more, or to help, can contact Mr Davies on (01429) 853325, or Liz Torley, of the Friends of Spion Kop, on (01429) 428404.