TRIBUTE has been paid to a graveyard restoration project.

Keighley MP Robbie Moore praised those involved in the scheme, at Dockroyd cemetery in Oakworth, during a visit to the site.

He met graveyard owner Andrew Heaton and volunteers who are spearheading efforts to clean-up and preserve the Victorian burial ground.

Retired dairy farmer Mr Heaton, who has family buried at the site, set-up the Dockroyd Graveyard Trust at the start of this year to rescue the cemetery from disrepair.

And he has written a book – Dockroyd Live – telling the story of the graveyard and people buried there, proceeds from which will support the restoration initiative.

During the MP's visit, Mr Heaton was accompanied by fellow trustees Stuart Sharp, Roger Laird and John and Jean Sugden.

Mr Moore said: "It’s really important to support community organisations like the Dockroyd Graveyard Trust as it carries out work that really matters to people in places like Oakworth.

“The legacies of those buried at Dockroyd will now be protected into the future and their stories will be told thanks to Andrew and his team.

"The graveyard had unfortunately fallen into a state of disrepair, but this work will enable the area to be resurrected whilst giving a voice to the families of those who are resting there."

For more about the book and the graveyard project, visit heatonfamilyonline.co.uk.