The search is on for information about an historic Skipton burial ground.

As part of a Heritage Lottery funded restoration project at the Raikes Road site, the friends group is trying to piece together its full history.

The Friends of Raikes Road Burial Ground would like to get details of everyone buried at the site and is also looking for any documents, photographs, memories or anecdotes for when the burial ground was in use from 1846 to 1876.

Jean Robinson, chairman of the friends group, said: “The story behind each of the people buried in the graveyard is part of the overall story of Skipton itself through a key phase of its economic and social history.

“Finding out whatever we can is a really important part of our project, so we’d be really grateful if people could have a rummage through their attics and old photo collections.”

Restoration of the burial ground is being funded through a £9,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund together with contributions from Skipton Town Council and Craven District Council. Group members have also been carrying out fundraising.

Once the work is completed, it is the intention to re-open the grounds to the public and to provide seating and interpretation boards, protecting the area for future generations.

Anyone with any information, or interested in joining the friends group, can contact Skipton Town Council on 01756 794357 or email les@skiptontowncouncil.gov.uk. People can also visit the town council offices, above Barclays Bank, High Street, Skipton.