A County Durham crematorium marks half a century in operation this weekend.
Mountsett Crematorium near Dipton was dedicated on 23 July 1966 and its 50 th anniversary is being marked with events for people from the industry and members of the public on Saturday.
An invite only memorial service takes place at the crematorium’s chapel for members of Mountsett Crematorium Joint Committee, staff, funeral directors and clergy.
Members of the public will then have an opportunity to look around the building and its grounds, with tours available, between 12.30pm and 2.00pm.
People will be able to find out about the services available and pay respects to loved ones.
The crematorium is owned and operated by the joint committee on behalf of Durham County Council and Gateshead Council.
Cllr Owen Temple, chairman of the committee, said: “We are pleased to have been able to assist people at what is always an incredibly difficult time, for half a century.
“Anyone who may want to come along and find out about the services we offer is very welcome to come along and speak to ourselves and our staff.”
Cllr Maria Plews, cabinet member whose portfolio covers bereavement services, said: “To provide any kind of service for 50 years is an achievement and the efforts of the joint committee in overseeing the running of the crematorium are commendable.
“It is good to be able to mark this anniversary and we hope that people will be able to come along and share in this occasion with us.”
The crematorium was designed by Charlton and Crowther of Bond Street, Leeds.
It was dedicated by the Bishop of Jarrow, the Rt. Rev A. K. Hamilton M.A., and officially opened in August 1966.
To find out more about the crematorium visit: www.durham.gov.uk/mountsettcrem