Letters to Heaven letterboxes set up across Derry and Strabane cemeteries

The "letters to Heaven" initiative sees special letterboxes placed in four of the largest cemeteries across the council area

A new scheme that gives mourners a new way to remember their loved ones has been launched in Londonderry.

The Letters to Heaven initiative sees special letterboxes placed in four of the largest cemeteries across the council area.

The postboxes enable cemetery visitors to post a letter to someone who has died.

Organisers of the scheme said it can help people, particularly young children, with the grieving process.

The letterboxes have been placed Derry's City Cemetery as well as Ballyoan, Castlederg and Strabane cemeteries.

The proposal was brought to Derry City and Strabane District Council earlier this year by former mayor Graham Warke.

The idea was inspired by a local woman who lost a family member in February, leaving behind a young son, Mr Warke has said.

The woman felt the young boy would benefit if he thought he could write a letter to his late father, he added.

Launching the scheme, Mayor Patricia Logue said she was delighted to welcome the new addition to the cemeteries.

Mayor Patricia Logue with former mayor Graham Warke and council staff pictured at the opening of the Letters to Heaven letterboxes

"I am honoured to launch this new scheme and I look forward to hearing the lovely stories that no doubt will come from this special initiative," the mayor said.

"The simple idea of being able to still communicate with your loved ones who have sadly passed away will bring so much comfort to those who are unfortunately grieving in our communities.

"I would encourage users of the cemeteries to look out for the letterboxes and make use of them from time-to-time."

Conor Canning, head of environment at the council, said it is a very "emotional and heart-warming scheme" that they are delighted to facilitate.

"If a modest letter will bring comfort and support to visitors of our cemeteries, then we are more than happy to roll this initiative out.

"There is a belief that enabling bereaved people, particularly young children, to send messages to their loved ones who are no longer with us will benefit their emotional and psychological wellbeing greatly."