Metal from Grimsby cremations helps bereaved families

Metal parts of coffins are recycled following services at Grimsby Crematorium

Metal taken from coffins is being used to help families facing bereavement, a council has said.

Since 2014, metals from caskets at Grimsby Crematorium have been sent for recycling if next of kin consent.

North East Lincolnshire Council said Sunflower Children's Action Group and St Andrew's Church in Immingham had both received £7,000 from the scheme.

A crematorium spokesman said it was "an excellent way" to "put something back into the community".

Proceeds from the sale of the metals go into a charity fund, which donates to local organisations twice a year.

The Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) scheme uses Netherlands-based company Orthometals, which the council said are "pioneers" in recycling metals from cremations - a process known as 'crecycling' by industry insiders.

'Environmentally friendly system'

Daniel Intress-Franklin, Grimsby Crematorium's deputy bereavement services manager, said: "It is an excellent way to dispose of metals from the crematorium through an environmentally friendly system that puts something back into the community.

"We are aware that Sunflower Children's Action Group children have come up with a wish list of activities they would like to do this year, so we hope that the funds go some way to making their wishes come true."

Joanne Wright, a trustee with the charity, added: "This is a fantastic sum that will truly help us to make a difference to local families who have a child contending with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition."

Reverend Julie Donn, of St Andrew's Church, said its share would be used to support families, in particular those who had suffered a loss.

She added: "This donation will now allow us to set up a dedicated Immingham bereavement support group for all residents.

"We hope to help people to events to combat isolation, purchase books for children to help with bereavement, and help people to buy items such as memory boxes."