AN alternative burial ground where even family pets can be buried has now opened.

The West Pennine Remembrance Park, Entwistle, is set in woodland overlooking the Wayoh Reservoir and aims to provide people with an alternative to traditional burial or cremation.

Site manager Chris Gore said: "Although the park is not totally complete it is forming up nicely and there has been a lot of interest in it.

"The first burial has now taken place and people who came said what a good idea the park was.

"We plan to have an official open day some time in June."

Designer Donald Boddy of Eco Partnerships says that in contrast to traditional burial grounds a more vibrant environment is on offer to celebrate the lives of loved ones.

He said: "We are very pleased with the reaction so far, people who come say they are very surprised at the quality of the environment and the views over the moors - they say its a bit like a secret garden, the response has been very good and very positive." Unlike traditional churches and cemeteries the park's burial areas are laid in circles around trees or curved around footpaths, in keeping with the natural environment and local heritage.

Single or family plots can be bought, with room for urns and even family pets.

The park is non-denominational and offers people and families of all creeds and cultures the chance to reserve burial plots and have ashes scattered or interred in an area they have chosen to match their own identity.

Mr Boddy added the pavilion building was now finished along with a car park and work was now starting on the second building.

He said: "The focus here is on life. There will be music in the park and other regular events to make it a more memorable and pleasurable place for all the family, whether they are visiting a loved one already departed or simply want to enjoy the place they have chosen as their own."

In designing the layout of the park research has been conducted into the history and character of trees, plants and herbs so that plots can be chosen on the site that best suits that individual.

Plots are limited in number and bought on a 100-year lease at the end of which time the park will be allowed to return to natural woodland.