PEOPLE visiting Grane Road cemetery in Haslingden will no longer have to struggle up the hill to pay their respects after a local environmental group created a new public entrance.

The plans were developed by Groundwork Rossendale after a group of people from Masjid-e-Bilal - a Haslingden Muslim group which visita the cemetery every week - pointed out that many elderly visitors were struggling to reach the old gates at the top of the hill.

After a long period of consultation with local people, a new entrance route was chosen near to the bottom of the cemetery and a seating area was also put in.

The project involved a variety of people, including children from nearby Haslingden and residents in the immediate area.

New pillars have been installed, along with steps and a path leading to the new seating area and cemetery plots. The site also features a small stone column bearing an Islamic prayer and Islamic-inspired art work designed by local children.

Mazhar Hussain, 71, from Masjid-e-Bilal, said: "It will mean a shorter journey for people who visit the lower end of the cemetery and a place to have a rest for those who have to reach the plots at the top of the hill.

"We have found the journey increasingly hard - our thanks to everyone involved."