A COMMUNITY group’s work to transform an historic cemetery into an attractive public open space is to be showcased in a week-long display.

The display documenting the achievements of the Friends of North Cemetery will be staged at the Hartlepool’s Central Library in York Road from Monday-Friday next week (December 9-13).

The cemetery opened in April 1856 on what was previously agricultural land and more than 53,000 burials subsequently took place on the site which is now closed to new burials except where purchased family plots exist.

Jane Shaw, chairman of the group, said: “We would welcome new members so we hope people will visit the display and be inspired to get involved with our work.”

As part of the drive to turn it into an attractive and sustainable green space for the enjoyment of local people, a number of projects have been carried out by the group in recent times, including installation of four new entrance gates, construction of new steps, tree planting, installation of wooden sculptures and seating and the installation of notice boards.

Further information is available on the group’s newly-launched website at northcemeteryhartlepool.co.uk