ANGLICAN, Methodist and Catholic clergymen performed blessings on a new funeral parlour in Darlington.

Michael Rea and his wife Barbara have opened Darlington Funeral Service, in North Road.

The town’s mayor, Charles Johnson, was also presented at the opening ceremony on Thursday (October 3).

Mr Rea, 46, has been in the funeral business for 30 years, having previously worked for his grandfather, Thomas, and father, Vincent.

The couple have an established business in Great Ayton.

Their North Road premises, a former tool hire business, has been extensively refurbished.

The blessings were conducted by Reverend Paul Baker, from St Mark With St Paul’s Church, Father David Russell, from St Thomas Aquinas RC Church and Reverend David Goodall, minister of Harrowgate Hill, Haughton and Northland Methodist Churches.

Mr Rea said it was important for funeral parlours and chapels of rest to receive religious blessings.