WORCESTER City Council has shown its support of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).

The authority's institute of cemetery and crematorium management recently raised £5,000 for the NSPCC, particularly supporting its school service.

Jenny Sedgwick, NSPCC community fundraising manager said: “We are so grateful to Worcester City Council for its support.

"This fantastic donation will help fund the vital work being done by the NSPCC Schools Service, teaching primary school pupils how to keep themselves safe from abuse.

“Our ‘Speak Out. Stay Safe’ programme reached 17,100 pupils at 72 schools in Worcestershire during the 2016/17 academic year, spreading an important message in a lively, interactive and memorable

way.”

The £5,000 cheque was presented by the Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Steve Mackay, and has come from the surplus from the institute of cemetery and crematorium management’s metals recycling scheme, which the authority’s crematorium is part of.

The recycling of metals resulting from cremation is only carried out with the written consent of each bereaved family.

Following the cremation of a deceased person, the cremated remains contain metals from the coffin and from orthopaedic implants such as hip and knee replacement joints.

The institute works with councils across the country, and many charities both nationally and locally have benefitted from its recycling scheme.

To date, Worcester City Council has contributed close to £35,000 to local charities through the scheme.