The new Martley Countryside Burial Ground has been officially opened.

October 5 saw the opening ceremony for the burial ground, attended by local parishioners and dignitaries.

Mike Nott, chairman of the Parish Council welcomed those who took part, followed by the planting of a ceremonial tree by West Worcestershire MP Harriet Baldwin, who gave a few words along with Rev Cannon David Sherwin.

Malvern Hills District Councillor Barbara Williams then cut the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the burial ground.

A section of the burial ground was then consecrated bt Rt Rev Michael Hooper, honorary assistant bishop to the Diocese of Worcester.

The ceremony had appeared in doubt when a large monolith was mysteriously knocked out of the ground in August, as reported in the Malvern Gazette, but fortunately it was resolved and the ceremony was held as planned.