Bretby Crematorium has issued new guidance on the maximum number of mourners able to say goodbye to loved ones.

Based on the latest announcement from the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) and following the introduction of new social distancing measures, Central England Co-op Funeralcare, which owns and operates the site, is now able to increase the recommended number of mourners.

Therefore, with immediate effect, the recommendation will increase from 10 to 24 mourners in the Carnarvon Chapel and from 10 to 14 in the smaller Anglesey Chapel.

Webcasting facilities of services which have been offered in an effort to allow everyone who cannot attend services due to the Coronavirus to be able to say goodbye remain available.

Additionally, Central England Co-op Funeralcare has announced the Gardens of Remembrance at Bretby Crematorium have now reverted back to normal opening times (9am-8pm) with visitors asked to continue to respect social distancing guidelines.

Hazel Moss, Head of Funeral, said: "As a Society, we continue to work with the guidelines issued and operate to a COVID-19 secure environment. We are doing this in the interests of keeping everyone safe and well, both our colleagues and families.

"We understand how difficult it has been for families who have lost loved ones to have faced restrictions in the number of mourners who can attend services, so we are pleased to now be able to increase the recommended numbers to allow more people to say goodbye to loved ones during these uncertain times.

"We will continue to monitor the situation and any further changes will continue to be made in line with government advice and industry guidance."

A number of previous changes introduced by Central England Co-op for the safety of colleagues and families remain in place until further notice, such as curtains being closed around coffins, hymn books removed from chapels and the main office on site remaining closed to the general public.

For more information about the measures in place and arranging funerals at this time visit Co-op Funeral Care

People can keep up to date with what is happening in their communities by visiting a dedicated online hub at Co-op updates