Adults with learning disabilities from the Stepping Stones project in Skipton are producing Christmas wreaths for people to remember their loved ones at Waltonwrays Cemetery.

Craven Bereavement Services, run by Craven District Council, has again joined forces with Stepping Stones to provide the wreaths for visitors at the cemetery, after a pilot project last year.

The adults at Stepping Stones take part in a number of horticultural activities, and also make wreaths, bird boxes, candle holders, jams and chutneys and hanging baskets as part of the project.

Kara Seremwe, Operations Manager at Stepping Stones, said: “Our members really enjoyed taking part in the Christmas wreaths project last year – they get thoroughly involved from start to finish,

from foraging for materials to decorating the wreaths.

“They love doing something so creative and it’s nice for them to know the wreaths will be appreciated by others as they remember their loved ones.”

Clair Cooper, Bereavement Services Manager at Craven District Council, said: “We know visitors to the cemetery like to place wreaths during the Christmas period and we wanted to make it easier for them to do so.

“This project means that visitors can easily order a wreath which will then be provided for them at the cemetery. It also means we’re able to support the Stepping Stones project which is a fantastic local scheme. It’s great to see the work they do and we’re delighted we can work with them to provide this useful service.”

Stepping Stones aims to give adults with learning disabilities the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in all aspects of horticulture.

The emphasis is on practical, hands-on experience backed up with regular tuition and supervision that empowers the people using the service and increases their independence and confidence.

They grow bedding plants for hanging baskets and local floral displays, manage garden maintenance and grass cutting contracts, and some members are currently taking part in an enterprise course and a customer service course.

The Christmas Wreath service is available at Waltonwrays Cemetery, Skipton. Wreaths vary in price from £15 to £20 and come in a variety of sizes and styles. Orders for wreaths can be placed up until December 15, 2017.

Wreaths can be collected from the Cemetery office from December 4 until December 22 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday.

To place an order, call Craven Bereavement Services on 01756 796118, email bereavementservices@cravendc.gov.uk or go to www.cravendc.gov.uk/wreaths where you can

find an order form. Forms are also available from the council offices at Belle Vue Square and local libraries.