A NEW, £2.6M crematorium is set to open in Northumberland.

Northumbrian Woodland Burials has historically only offered coffin burials but it is now preparing to open a new crematorium and chapel building in October under the name Northumberland Woodland Burial & Crematorium.

It will be the second crematorium in the county and the only private one in the region.

The 40-acre site, near Felton, is owned by Laura and Scott Clarehugh.

They said: "Our woodlands and wildflower meadows have been the final resting place for hundreds of people over the past 20 years.

"There is a huge demand for a second crematorium facility in Northumberland and we have spent over four years developing our vision for our site.

"There is no catafalque or curtains, but instead a beautifully restored coffin bier which will be illuminated during the service, with the dimming of the lights marking the end of the service instead.

"The entire building is heated by underfloor heating using an innovative heat exchanger which captures the waste heat produced by the cremator, reducing our energy use.

"Services will be restricted to six per day, ensuring that mourners are not rushed."

The business also intends to open the chapel for seasonal events and remembrance services, and it will create five full-time positions.

Open days will be held on October 22 for bereavement professionals and on October 23 for the public.