GLORIOUS bluebells add a dash of spring colour to an iconic church graveyard damaged by fire.

Last year, a fire crew attended St Chad Parish Church burial ground in Gellfield Lane after smoke was seen coming from the quiet location above Uppermill.

The fire, believed to have been started deliberately, was quickly extinguished and none of the gravestones or memorials were damaged.

But the church have turned the incident into a virtue and Rev Canon Sharon Jones, Saddleworth’s spiritual leader, is hoping to develop plans for a community eco-group.

She said: “The graveyard recovery has been amazing. In the absence of sufficient funds and volunteers, nature is left alone to flourish.

“The site provides a unique habitat which wild graveyards provide. Anyone interesting in participating in a group to preserve the heritage of these precious spaces should contact Rev Aaron Jackman.

“A Rocha UK has developed Eco Church – a prestigious award scheme for churches in England and Wales who want to demonstrate the Christian message is good news for the whole of creation,” she explained.

“Christ Church Denshaw and Christ Church Friezland already have bronze awards and are working towards silver and now Saddleworth Church St Chad are also working towards it.

“As individuals and communities we are responsible as stewards of a beautiful area, to care, maintain and grow all that sustains life and enables mutual flourishing.

“Loving God and loving creation are inseparable as one is the expression of the other,” she added.

Anyone wishing to participate in an eco group should contact Rev Aaron Jackman at: Aaronjackman@cofeinsaddleworth.org.uk

Eco Church is an A Rocha UK project, run in partnership with Christian Aid, The Church of England, The Methodist Church and Tearfund.