Cruse Bereavement Support is the latest charity to benefit from North Devon Crematorium's role in a national metal recycling scheme.

The Devon branch of the charity was presented with a cheque for £11,600 on Tuesday, 29 October. The donation has been generated from the proceeds of the recycling scheme run by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICMM), which enables metals from cremated remains to be safely recycled.

The money will help the charity support local children, young people and adults affected by bereavement.

Devon Cruse offers face-to-face support sessions at counselling rooms in Barnstaple, or support over the phone or online. They provide information, practical help and advice on many aspects of bereavement as well as running support groups.

The cheque was presented at the crematorium by staff and the North Devon Crematorium Joint Committee chair, Councillor Simon Inch.

Chair of the North Devon Crematorium Joint Committee, Councillor Simon Inch, says: "We are so pleased to be able to present such a brilliant amount of money to Devon Cruse, a charity which offers valuable support, advice and information to people during incredibly difficult times. I'm sure the money will be well spent."

Community Fundraising Manager at Cruse Bereavement Support Devon, Hannah Yeomanson, said: "We are so grateful for this incredible donation towards our specialist bereavement services in Devon. We are seeing an increase in demand for our services and so these funds are vital in enabling us to provide prompt support to those struggling with the devastating impact of grief in the local area.

"Thank you so much to the North Devon Crematorium Joint Committee and all at North Devon Crematorium for their amazing support."

For more information about Cruse Bereavement Support, head to the charity's website.

The metal recycling scheme is run by the ICCM and is only carried out with the consent of the bereaved.