VOLUNTEERS have begun work on the mammoth project of recording all the memorial headstone inscriptions in a cemetery that dates back more than 150 years.

The project at the cemetery in Norton, near Malton, is being undertaken by members of Ryedale Family History Group and is expected to take several months to complete.

Memorial inscriptions co-ordinator Rita Gibson is overseeing the work assisted by trained volunteers who will photograph and record the inscriptions on each headstone that are visible.

They will also be cutting back vegetation to access those memorials that have become obscured and overgrown.

The cemetery was opened in 1852 and then enlarged in 1886 with a further section consecrated in 1920 by the Bishop of Beverley.

"It was during the 1850s that many cemeteries were being opened as churchyards became full and posed a serious health risk," said project co-ordinator Rita Gibson.

She said the recording and transcribing of these monumental inscriptions was an important and essential part of local heritage and was carried out by teams of volunteers up and down the country.

"This work provides a unique resource for family historians and those interested in local history, art and architecture," she said.

"The photographing of each memorial stone is a vital record as so many are being lost due to the elements and damage and they can quickly fall into decay."