A PROPOSAL has been made to take over a farm field to extend the cemetery at Gainford, near Barnard Castle.

Teesdale District Council, which is responsible for the burial ground, is applying to its own planning committee for consent to extend it.

Chris Tomlinson, who is in charge of the project, said: "The present ground is likely to be filled up in two or three years, so it is essential to do something about it."

The new field is close to the River Tees, but the Environment Agency has agreed to the land usage as long as a buffer zone is left and the nearest grave is 40 metres from the river.

Planning officer Wendy Thompson is recommending approval should be given at a meeting next week, but that burials should not be allowed within 50 metres of the river.

She is also suggesting that a dry stone boundary wall should be put up and the area landscaped.