FAMILIES with memorials at a crematorium are being offered a extra year free because of the coronavirus pandemic.

As many people have been unable to visit memorials at Sedgemoor Crematorium, Westerleigh Group (its parent organisation) is offering a year free to make sure there is an opportunity for people to visit and remember their loved ones.

Laura Williams, site manager at the crematorium, said it will be "upsetting" for people who have not had the chance to mark an important date or anniversary by visiting a memorial.

“Throughout all the lockdown restrictions, our dedicated grounds team have continued to maintain our gardens to the highest standards," she said.

“But we know that, during the pandemic, the government restrictions have meant that many people have been unable to visit memorials of their loved ones in the crematorium gardens as they would have wished to.

“Not being able to mark an important date or anniversary by visiting the resting place would have been upsetting for many people.

“Through providing an additional year to the length of existing memorial dedications at our crematorium, we are aiming to extend the precious opportunity of remembering a loved one.

“We hope that this will provide some comfort to the families we support, and we very much look forward to welcoming them back to our gardens as soon as they’re ready to do so.”

If you would like to take up the offer of a free year, call 01278 680020 or email sedgemoor@westerleighgroup.co.uk.