Work starts on cemetery restoration

The cemetery opened in 1836

Work is beginning on the renovation of part of Sheffield's historic General Cemetery.

The Gatehouse entrance on Cemetery Avenue has been closed to allow contractors to move onto the site as well as the nearby Catacomb Gardens.

The work, which will cost around £500,000, is being funded by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The Gatehouse will be upgraded to form accommodation for a warden.

There will also be a new office for the Friends of Sheffield General Cemetery as well as a memorial room.

The cemetery in Sharrow opened in 1836 and was last used for burials in the 1970s.

It is estimated that 77,000 Sheffield people are buried there including George Basett, the founder of the sweet company.