Free memorial services are being held at burial grounds in Wimborne and Hinton to remember all those who are no longer with us this Christmas.

The separate services are being held at Hinton Park Woodland Burial Ground and Funeral Directors, in Wyndham Road, and Poole & Wimborne Woodland Burial Ground and Funeral Director, in Greenhill Road.

Organised by colleagues at the two sites, everyone is welcome to the services where they can leave a personal tribute on the Christmas trees and light a candle to reflect and remember.

It is hoped the events will provide comfort for bereaved relatives and friends who want to remember their loved ones during a particularly difficult time of year.

Lesley Hadley, Bereavement Coordinator for Bereavement Care – a free service provided by Southern Co-op, said: “We hope that spending this time with others, who will be sharing similar thoughts and emotions, will bring some comfort and support.

“The memorial service can help people from all backgrounds come together as a caring community to express their grief and gratitude.”

After the services, people will be invited to join the colleagues for festive food and refreshments.

The Hinton Park services are being held on Thursday 8 December at 11am and 2.30pm. Anyone interested in attended must RSVP by emailing [email protected] or by phoning 01425 278910.

The Poole & Wimborne Woodland Burial Ground services are being held on Thursday 15 December at 11am and 3pm. Anyone interested in attended must RSVP by emailing pooleandwimbornewoodlandburial.co.uk or by phoning 01202 888887.

To find out more about the free bereavement support available, visit https://bereavementcare.uk/.