A RECYCLING initiative at Teesside Crematorium has helped provide a much-needed donation to a local charity.

The funds were raised after families from in and around Middlesbrough gave consent for the recycling of metals resulting from cremation.

The recycling scheme is part of a national programme organised by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management.

Recycled metals include those used in the construction of the coffin and in orthopaedic implants such as hip, knee and replacement joints.

The Middlesbrough Bereavement Services Forum agreed last year to donate proceeds from 2013 to Zoë’s Place Children's Hospice, which provides palliative, respite and end-of-life care to babies and infants aged from birth to five years old suffering from life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

A cheque for £4,411 was presented to hospice manager Michelle Larkin on behalf of the Bereavement Services Forum.

Councillor Tracy Harvey, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for environment, said: “I’m grateful to all the families who gave their consent for metals to be recycled.

“That generous gesture at a difficult time has made possible a vital donation for an important local charity, and will make a very real difference to the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.”

For more information on raising funds for Zoë’s Place, visit www.zoes-place.org.uk/middlesbrough/ or email info@zoes-place.org.uk