The number of guests permitted at funerals held in the crematorium has been limited to ten, in line with new government guidance, Bolton Council has announced.

Deaths can still be registered with the council as normal, for the time being.

The Council says that every effort is being made to respect an individual's faith and beliefs regarding burials.

According to new guidance released by Public Health England, mourners should be kept two metres apart at funerals, and only members of the same household and close family should attend.

The guidance also states that relatives should avoid "close contact" with anyone who has died with symptoms of the virus.

Professor Paul Cosford CB, PHE's emeritus medical director, said: "Losing a loved one is a sad and distressing experience and funerals are important and personal.

"During this very difficult time for the country, our aim is to protect the most vulnerable from the spread of coronavirus."

Mohamed Omer, board member of Muslim burial charity Gardens of Peace, welcomed the advice. He said: "If circumstances dictate then we should contemplate, as hard as it may seem, no attendees at funeral time.

"It is also welcoming to note that we can perform our ritual wash as long as we observe the necessary precautions of wearing the right PPE and follow the process included in this guideline.

"It is hope that there will be uniformity now in the whole system so that there is no confusion and conflicting reports on the risk of handling a Covid-19 deceased person."