A SURVEY is being carried out to assess the state of ageing gravestones in a district's churchyards.

Easington District Council has warned that if any stones are found to be insecure or dangerous, immediate action will be taken to prevent the possibility of visitors being injured.

This will usually involve laying headstones flat at the plot, with the inscription face-up.

In some cases, however, insecure stones may be pocketed. This will involve the digging of new foundations and placing the memorial deeper in the ground.

This will usually only take place where stones carry inscriptions towards the top, ensuring the wording is not covered by earth if set further into the ground.

Where records are available, attempts will be made to trace surviving family members.

The council has published a public notice warning of the impending survey, which will focus on closed churchyards .

Council officers say the survey is based on advice issued by the Association of Burial Authorities.

Anyone aware of problems with headstones in a graveyard is asked to contact the council's environmental services department, on 0191- 527 0501, extension 2216.