White postboxes installed to aid grieving relatives

The white boxes have been installed at two crematoria in the area

White postboxes for family and friends to write messages to deceased loved ones have been installed in the Bradford district.

The Letters to Lost Loved Ones boxes have been introduced at the council-owned Shay Grange Crematorium in Bradford and Oakworth Crematorium at Keighley.

The boxes are similar to ones installed by groups across the country and offer "a gentle and heartfelt way" for people to express their emotions around grief, Bradford Council said.

The authority said the boxes had already received a "warm response" from families and visitors at the crematoria.

Sarah Ferriby, the council's executive member for healthy people and places, said: "These postboxes offer a gentle and heartfelt way for people to express their emotions and maintain a connection with those they have lost.

"We have had families tell us how comforting it is to have a place where they can 'send' their thoughts to loved ones."

The council's bereavement service has organised its first Christmas memorial service, to be held on Saturday at Shay Grange at 10:30 GMT.

The service will also be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person.

Ferriby said she hoped the service would offer comfort at a time that can be very difficult for people.

"It will offer a space for reflection, remembrance and community support," she said.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.