A NEW pet crematorium has opened at Cannon Hall.

The crematorium at the side of Cannon Hall’s walled gardens will provide individual cremations for pets in a secluded area of the park.

The service is being run by Barnsley Council which owns and operates Cannon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens.

It is believed to be the first council to launch a service of this kind. Coun Roy Miller officially opened the pet crematorium at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Pets will be cremated on their own, and their ashes prepared personally by staff in accordance with their owners’ wishes.

The crematorium will generate income to pay for council services.

Coun Miller said: “Cannon Hall is a special place for dog lovers and their families, with thousands of people visiting the beautiful park and gardens each year.

“At Barnsley Council we have many years’ experience in delivering bereavement services and we understand how distressing the loss of a pet can be.

“The crematorium will ensure a high-quality service to meet the wishes of pet owners in Barnsley and the surrounding areas within the picturesque grounds of Cannon Hall.”