LANCASTER is looking for people to befriend its burial grounds.

The city's cemeteries task group says it wants to develop a service as good as any in the country - and better than most.

And for starters, it wants to hear what local people think about its cemeteries.

Task group chairman Cllr David Kerr says: I would like to hear the views of the public on how the council can provide a service that reflects the require-ments of bereaved families.

"We are keen to set up Friends Groups for cemeteries so we can maintain a dialogue with our users and be aware of their needs and concerns."

To express a view or find out more about being a Friend', write to S Mann, Health & Strategic Housing Service, Town Hall, Marine Road, Morecambe, LA4 5AF or e-mail Smann@lan caster.gov.uk