Schoolchildren from North Tyneside have helped create a living memorial at Preston Cemetery.
Pupils from Monkhouse Primary School planted a butterfly-shaped wildflower bed in the Garden of Remembrance as a tribute to grieving families and their loved ones.
The children carefully soaked the wildflower-seeded letters and baubles — left by families through the Letters to Loved Ones letterbox and at a winter memorial service — before placing them in the bed with fresh compost.
The bed will bloom into a colourful display at the heart of the cemetery.
The project is the result of a partnership between North Tyneside Council's Bereavement Services team and local funeral directors, E Turnbull & Son.
Andrea Taylor, who leads the Council's Bereavement Services team, said: "The children were amazing. They approached the whole day with such care and respect. The same children sang at our winter memorial service, so it was lovely to have them here for the planting too. We're hugely grateful to Monkhouse Primary School and E Turnbull & Son for their continued support — this is the kind of partnership that makes a real difference to families at the hardest of times."
Laura Baggett, Headteacher at Monkhouse Primary School, said: “Participating in the November service was a significant moment for our school choir, but being invited to plant the seed memories within Tynemouth Crematorium's garden of Remembrance was a truly special honour. Our pupils understand that these flowers will grow into a symbol of love and support for families who have lost someone dear. It is a vital lesson in empathy and community spirit that will stay with our children every time they pass this beautiful space.”
Ben Broadhead from E Turnbull & Son added: “The children did a great job and were very well behaved, a real credit to the school and their parents. We’ve heard from many people how this initiative has brought real comfort at a time of need, and it was lovely to have the school involved in helping create something that will grow and hopefully bring a sense of hope.”
Families are invited to leave letters in the Letters to Loved Ones letterbox at Preston Cemetery. A second letterbox is planned for Whitley Bay, extending the scheme to more communities across the borough.
A Butterfly Memorial Service takes place on Wednesday 13 May at Tynemouth Crematorium. Guests will receive a hand-made paper butterfly seeded with wildflowers to plant at home or leave in the Garden of Remembrance.
Places must be reserved by Thursday 7 May. Call 0191 643 6070 or email bereavement@northtyneside.gov.uk.