A CEMETERY near Alveston has been hit by ash dieback.

A small number of ash trees at Bristol Memorial Woodlands have been struck by the fungus.

Ash trees have now been removed as an option for mourners.

Christopher Baker, who founded the Memorial Woodlands, said: “It is a great shame as we are creating a natural woodland parkland that will be there for future generations and ideally we would like all species of native British trees.

“The ash is a tall and graceful tree that is wonderful for encouraging wildlife but at the moment it seems we need to clear out the affected trees. Once we are convinced that the fungus is gone or resistant strains have been developed, we will revert to offering ash trees.

“I remember when Dutch Elm disease robbed the British countryside of our magnificent elm trees and it is a shame that ash is now being affected in this way. Families who purchased an ash have been informed and replacement species have been arranged.”

The affected trees were planted in the 1990s when the woodlands first started operating.

The chronic fungus that causes ash dieback was first spotted in the UK in 2012.

More information about Bristol Memorial Woodlands can be found at memorialwoodlands.com.