Work has begun on a new cemetery in Dereham which has been designed to serve the town for the next 150 years.

Almost a decade of planning has gone into the burial ground, which will be on former farmland on Norwich Road, next to Dereham Town Football Club.

Dereham's other cemetery has almost reached capacity.

Dereham Town Council has financed the £600,000 project.

A total £100,00 has been set aside from town council finances and a further loan of £500,000 has been agreed.

Burial fees will be used to pay back the loan.

Dereham mayor Linda Goreham said: 'The town is growing so quickly and we have to plan for the future.

'It has taken a long time planning this but we wanted to make sure we got it right. This will be a very important place for people wishing to pay respects to their loved ones.'

The work is being carried out by Jeremy Stacey Architects.

The graves will be laid out in a curved leaf design, to give the site a natural feel.

More than 300 trees will be planted.

Work is expected to take 17 weeks and the cemetery is due to be ready for use in spring next year.

What do you think about Dereham's new cemetery? E mail adam.lazzari@archant.co.uk