CINDERFORD'S Midcounties Co-operative Funeral team marked the opening of their newly refurbished Chapel of Rest with a blessing.

Forest MP Mark Harper was among guests who joined religious and non-religious ministers at a dedication service.

A spokesman said the refurbished chapel was part of a bigger refit which included a new open plan reception. Manager Richard Byett said: " We took the renovation as an opportunity to redesign the interior. We now have a single, larger Chapel of Rest."

The service was attended by members of the local clergy, the Rev Michael Barnsley and Father Barnabas Page and non-religious representative Janet Joel, together with Co-operative Board member Ruth Fitzjohn.