THE Ross-on-Wye Town Cemetery on Walford Road, has been awarded a Silver Standard Certificate at this year’s British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons awards.

The cemetery, owned and managed by Ross Town Council, was marked on the score achieved by burial authorities when completing the specialised questionnaire.

The questionnaire is designed to encourage burial authorities to consider the facilities, services and provisions they offer to the bereaved, as well as identifying areas where improvements could be made.

The organisation’s new cemetery standard certificates were introduced for the first time this year.

In the parish, town and community council category, with 62 per cent of entrants being awarded the silver standard, placing the Ross Town Cemetery among those recognised for meeting a high standard.

Deputy town clerk, Charlotte Reynolds, said: “We were delighted to receive this recognition for Ross Town Cemetery as the cemetery is an important, and much-loved place, within our community and is the final resting place of many dearly loved friends and relatives.

“We are continually looking at ways we can improve both the appearance of the cemetery and the experience we provide for those who visit and use it. This award is a welcome recognition of the work that goes into maintaining the cemetery and supporting bereaved families.

“We will continue to look at what more we can do to improve our provision and ensure that the cemetery remains a peaceful, welcoming and well-maintained place for our community.”

Earlier this year the town council achieved planning permission to install a Mulberry Tree in the cemetery’s roundabout, which is made in the UK from corten steel with UK sourced granite leaves.

Ross Town Council is committed to continuing to develop and improve the cemetery, ensuring it remains a fitting and respectful place for those who are laid to rest there, as well as for the families and friends who visit.