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Cemetery safety inspections are due to start next month, a council has said.

South Tyneside Council will test the stability of all memorial stones taller than 18 inches (45cm), beginning in Whitburn on 3 June.

Labour councillor Ernest Gibson said the inspections were important to ensure burial grounds were safe places for staff and for people to pay their respects.

There are more than 30,000 memorial stones in South Tyneside's cemeteries and churchyards.

"A gentle hand push test will be performed to assess stability," said Mr Gibson.

The local authority said it will make every effort to trace the owners of unsafe memorials.

"We want to reassure residents that this work is being done with the greatest respect and sensitivity," said Mr Gibson.

"We understand that work of this nature may be upsetting to families and we apologise in advance for any distress this may cause."

Unsafe memorials will be made temporarily safe by the council and the owner will be contacted by letter about the need for permanent repairs.

But in cases where the memorial is critically unsafe or temporary measures would not work, the memorial will be laid flat with the inscription facing up.

"It is important to note that the council does not intend to lay down any memorials," the authority said.

"This would only be done as a last resort where all other options are unsuitable."

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