TWO East Durham cemeteries have been singled out for praise in a national annual award scheme.

Thorpe Road Cemetery, in Horden, was pipped at the post for the Cemetery of the Year when it was judged runner-up in the "more than five acres" category.

At neighbouring Easington Colliery, the village cemetery was highly commended in the same category.

The awards, now in their third year, were devised to encourage high standards among the nation's cemeteries and to raise awareness to the role that cemeteries play within the community.

A spokesman for the competition said: "Cemeteries can provide a wealth of historical, social and ecological information as well as being a haven of beauty and tranquility."

Judges commenting on Easington Colliery's entry said: "This is a superb little cemetery. The superintendent seems to maintain it as if it were his own garden.

"There are lovely flower beds and the grass is well cut. The central feature commemorating the local mining disaster is very well done."

On the Horden entry, judges said: "Thorpe Road cemetery is a very neat and tidy cemetery with a new log cabin shelter and shrubs. It is well kept with easy access.

"The cemetery provides a great variety of features for its size and gives a good choice to the local community.''

This year's competition was entered by 45 cemeteries. Entrants were assessed on a wide range of aspects.