City of York Council is holding an open day and memorial service at its crematorium in Bishopthorpe on Sunday 16 December from 10.00am until 2.00pm.

The open day gives members of the public and the bereaved the opportunity to have a look round the crematorium facilities and the memorial gardens and view the different types of memorials available at present. Crematorium staff will be available to answer any questions visitors may have and also describe the cremation process. Guided tours will be available at 10am and 12noon.

After the guided tours of the crematorium facilities there will be a memorial service at 12 noon. This will be held in the main chapel, with Rev Alan Hughes conducting the service and Mr Ralph Tate playing the organ.

There will also be an opportunity to purchase a Helium Balloon bearing the name of a deceased loved one, which can then be release after the service.

Anyone who would like to participate in the memorial service or purchase a balloon should contact the crematorium office on 01904 552071.