Cemetery postbox opens ahead of Father's Day
Westmorland and Furness CouncilA postbox receiving letters to late loved ones has been installed at a cemetery.
Sue Emmerson, of Richardsons Funeral Directors, said she was inspired to donate the postbox to Penrith Cemetery after her family were comforted by a similar project in Keswick while mourning their son-in-law.
Westmorland and Furness Council said the letters posted would not be read or opened, with the missives eventually turned into compost and spread around the site.
The council added the box - which opens in time for Father's Day - would remain a permanent fixture in the cemetery and would "bring solace" to those in mourning.
The national concept - called Letters to Heaven - encourages people to write letters and cards to people they have lost.
Emmerson said: "I first heard about Letters to Heaven post boxes when we sadly lost my son-in-law last year."
She said her family "found it very comforting" to visit the box in Keswick and she hoped others would be helped "by having a similar post box in Penrith as a focal point for posting their memories".
The council, which installed and will manage the box, said it could be used by anybody, regardless of where their loved one lived or their funeral took place.
Councillor John Murray said: "We hope that the Letters from Heaven post box will bring a little extra solace to families and friends who are mourning loved ones."
No address or stamp is needed as the post box is not linked to the Royal Mail.
Paula Thompson, from the Friends of Penrith Cemetery, said the scheme would be "a thoughtful, welcome addition to the cemetery for visitors of all ages".
