The number of mourners allowed at Carlisle Crematorium will double from Monday to 24.

In line with new Government guidance, Carlisle City Council has increased the maximum number of attendees at a service at the crematorium will increase from 12 to 24.

Social distancing requirements within the chapel will remain in place, though this does not apply to individuals within the same household.

A spokeswoman for the council said that "further chairs will be added to accommodate the increased numbers."

"The cemetery chapels will reopen allowing funerals to take place prior to interment at graveside, again with a maximum of 24 mourners.

"Places of Worship are allowed to reopen. This will allow for committal services both at the crematorium and at graveside to restart."

Memorial masons are also allowed to carry out new installations, additional inscriptions and replacement headstones with suitable PPE and social distancing measures.

A number of restrictions will remain in place.

Funeral times are still restricted to 20 minutes to allow the crematorium chapel to be cleaned between each and every funeral.

The office reception and the Book of Remembrance remain closed to the public.

Witnessed interments of cremated remains remain unavailable, and the toilets will still be closed.

The city council spokeswoman added: "Please only visit the crematorium and cemetery sites if your visit is essential and you must follow the Government’s rules to stop the spread of Covid-19.

"Do not visit a Cemetery or the Crematorium if you have any coronavirus symptoms. See NHS guidelines if this applies to you."