Westerleigh Crematorium, near Bristol, is giving six local charities a total of £17,000 in donations, which it raised as part of its metal recycling scheme.

With the consent of families, metals recovered during cremation are recycled and any money raised at each of the 34 crematoria and cemeteries nationwide operated by Westerleigh Group is used to support local worthy causes.

Westerleigh Crematorium site manager Luke Dinsdale said: “All the charities were selected via a voting process involving all our staff, and the money was allocated based on votes.

“All these organisations do such incredible work trying to enhance and make a positive difference to the lives of people in our local community who need some extra support, and it’s an honour to be able to provide them with some financial help.”

Teenage Cancer Trust (South West) is receiving £3,500; Macmillan Cancer Support, Children’s Hospice South West, and Bristol MIND are reach receiving £3,000; Great Western Air Ambulance is receiving £2,500 and Avon & Somerset Search & Rescue is receiving £2,000.

Luke said: “We have supported Children’s Hospice South West for many years with money from our metal recycling scheme, and staff were keen to continue this support.

“This is third year we have supported the local branch of the Teenage Cancer Trust, and the second year we have supported the local branch of Bristol MIND.

“It is our second year of supporting Avon & Somerset Search & Rescue, which we have a personal connection to, as a member of our team, Steve Britton, volunteers in his free-time with this charity.

“This is the first year we have voted for the Great Western Air Ambulance to receive a portion of the metal money, after it was suggested by a team member.

“We have always supported the Macmillan Cancer Support coffee morning in the Willow Tree Café every September, which is always a popular event.

“We particularly wanted to offer support this year because the Covid-19-enforced restrictions on hospitality venues would have meant that their coffee morning income was significantly reduced this year.”