A THUNDERSTORM provided a fittingly gothic end to an open day at a Blackpool cemetery yesterday (Wednesday).

But, despite the unkind weather, the one-off event at Layton Cemetery was hailed a success by Blackpool's mayor, Cllr Maxine Callow.

Cllr Callow joined deputy mayor Cllr Susan Fowler and dozens of members of the public for a guided tour of the Talbot Road burial ground, including the graves of many of Blackpool's past celebrities.

"Some people might think it's a morbid thing because it's something so completely different," Cllr Callow admitted.

"I know it has created a lot of interest. But there had been a lot of vandalism in Layton Cemetery and people of course were very distressed about it. There were a lot of children there and if we can get the youngsters to realise that the cemetery's there and it should be treated with respect it might help cut down on the vandalism."

The guided tour took in the graves of leading policemen, poets, sportsmen and a one-time leading palm reader. Visitors also saw the grave of Charles Noden, the first man to publicise Blackpool as a holiday resort.

The area's police community beat manager, PC Andy Walden, also attended with colleagues who brought a mobile police vehicle and Sony PlayStations to keep children entertained.

But one reader, who asked not to be named, was not sure how well the event would be received - linking it with the controversial Bodies Revealed exhibition at Blackpool's Winter Gardens.

She said: "Blackpool seems to be the harbinger of doom at the moment, what with this and the exhibition of dead bodies in town. It's all a bit morbid. But if it stops people vandalising the cemetery I suppose that's a good thing."

Cllr Callow said the idea for the event was originally mooted by the area's Neighbourhood Watch members. A Friends of Layton Cemetery group has also recently formed, she added.

Members staff an office at the cemetery 11.30am-1.30pm daily, or noon-2pm Wednesdays and Thursdays, helping visitors trace their family tree or graves, of which there are more than 16,500.

And anyone wishing to volunteer for the group can telephone 882541 and leave their name, address, and a contact telephone number, an event spokeswoman said.

What do you think of 'guided tours' of Layton Cemetery? Just morbid curiosity, or a great way to experience history? Let us know your views by telephoning Nikki Masters on 292005, e-mailing nmasters@blackpoolcitizen.co.uk or writing to her at Blackpool Citizen, 13/13a Clifton Street, Blackpool, FY1 1JD.