DEATH with dignity can now be provided locally for all creatures great and small.

The Sanderson family - father David, his wife, Gillian, and son, Peter, have embarked on a highly unusual farming diversification project by setting up the area's first pet crematorium.

Jim Wight, son of Thirsk vet Alf Wight, who was better known as James Herriot, was at the opening of Ashes Pet Crematorium at Sandholme Farm, Skipton on Swale.

He said: "My father would greatly approve of this venture, which is fulfilling a great need. He was a compassionate vet, which comes over in his books, and this is a compassionate enterprise.

"Euthanasia of an animal is an important issue and I personally support this enterprise. I have been in practice 30 years and, for the majority of that time, explaining to people what has happened to their beloved pet has been a sensitive problem to deal with.

"I think the Sandersons have made a very good job and a tasteful way of providing such a service at what is a very upsetting time. Some pets have been a member of the family for many years."

One of the first customers of the new business will be James Herriot's original practice, Skeldale Veterinary Centre, in Thirsk.

Sandholme farm is a mixed arable farm. An old building which formed part of Dalton airfield has been converted to the crematorium - in a field half a mile from the peaceful reception area on the farm.

This sympathetic area provides customers with a quiet space with a window overlooking the churchyard, which can be curtained off to allow people to say their last farewells to their pet and choose a casket or special box in which to store, or from which to scatter the remains.

"My son had just completed his course at Bishop Burton College, where he gained an HND in agriculture, and during his last year, pet cremation was one of his major projects," said David Sanderson.

"We decided that we needed to look for a diversification to bring in more income and keep the farm going for the next generation and this seemed a very worthwhile project.

"We surveyed local vets, who all thought it would fulfil a need as the nearest crematoria are many miles away either in Doncaster or Durham."

The enterprise has been made possible by a £33,000 Rural Enterprise Scheme grant from Defra.

Mrs Sanderson said: "The crematorium can literally accommodate all creatures great and small - from the tiniest pet to the largest horse.

"The idea for it came about because we need to look at ways of making the farm economically viable in the long term. We thought through a number of options and this idea seemed not just unusual, but also a much-needed service for the area. The whole project has been long in the planning, it has taken five years form the initial idea to opening for business.

"We're very grateful to Defra for the funding as we definitely couldn't have set up the business without it."

Mr Sanderson added: "As animal owners ourselves, we understand how uniquely painful the grief caused by the death of a much-loved animal companion can be. Not least is the worry about the most fitting way of disposing of the body.

"Our aim here is to make the whole process as dignified and smooth as possible. On the death of their pet, customers can either arrange for the body to be collected from home or from their local vet, or bring the body to the reception centre here.

"We have joined the Association of Private Pet Cemeteries and Crematoria, which has its own code of practice, so customers can have peace of mind knowing that the very highest standards of care are maintained."

Helen Ovens, Defra project officer, said: "This is certainly one of the more unusual Rural Enterprise Scheme applications we have received, and it's an excellent example of how potential applications can cover a wide range of business options when thinking about diversifying.

"This venture will give the Sandersons an extra income source, helping the farm business overall to generate a greater margin and remain economically sustainable in the long term, as well as bringing an important service to the wider community.