THE Graveyard Gardeners in Wellington – who are bringing a new lease of life to the town’s cemetery – are seeking sponsorship to help fund their on-going work.

The group is supported by the local authority and like-minded community projects in the Wellington area, and aims to reignite the memory of those who have died by tending to their graves and finding out about the life they lived at the same time.

The Graveyard Gardeners, a 100-strong group of volunteers, has been tending the old graves in the cemetery and the hard work put in is beginning to show.

Flowers have been planted, ivy cleared and the lives of those no longer with us are sparking conversation again – in some cases for intriguing reasons.

The group is looking towards winter and planning to sew seeds and plant bulbs ready for next year.

Rachel Edgecombe, of the Graveyard Gardeners, said: “The members are dedicated to maintaining this beautiful space for living residents to enjoy and to cultivate a space in which nature can flourish.

“We have gratefully received a great amount of community support and are now calling on local businesses to help us continue with our efforts.

“There are a great amount of garden centres, homeware stores and supermarkets in the area that we are appealing to for donations of plants, bulbs and seeds.

“Many such stores will often have stock they will have to dispose of that would benefit our efforts greatly.

“In return for donations we will use our strong community and social media presence to recognise the generous business support.”

Any business which can help the Graveyard Gardeners can contact the group through Rachel Edgecombe. Emailing [email protected] or go to the Graveyard Gardeners Wellington page on Facebook or phone 07885 739371.