A PET cemetery and crematorium could be built on the outskirts Bolton in a bid to safeguard the future of an animal sanctuary.

Verna Sandiford and John Woodward care for sick animals and want somewhere to bury them when they die.

They also plan to run the facility as a profit-making venture and will plough some of the cash back into their animal sanctuary.

The couple, of Crowthorn Farm, off Broadhead Road, Edgworth, have lodged their plans with Blackburn Council and are awaiting a decision.

Miss Sandiford said: "We have been interested in animals, and helping them, all our lives.

"We have enough animals to be a registered charity but we like to fund it ourselves so we can be responsible for what happens to them.

"When they die we take them to the crematorium at Leyland. But then we thought it would be something we could do and we've got a spare bit of land.

"We know a lot about it and thought we could help other people."

Miss Sandiford and Mr Woodward have lived at the farm for 30 years. They take in sick animals and care for them, refusing to put them down unless there is now way of saving them.

The farm has become so well known as a sanctuary for sick or unwanted animals that local vets regularly call the couple for help.

Proposals include a single-storey stone building, with a slate roof which would include a reception room, office, toilet and the crematorium. The cemetery would be created on one of their fields.

The plan was approved five years ago but the couple have not been able to start work on the project. That permission has now lapsed and needs to be renewed.

North Turton Parish Council will consider the application tonight (mon). It will make a recommendation to Blackburn and Darwen Borough Council which will make the final decision.

Local borough councillor, Jean Rigby, said: "I think some residents were concerned last time this application was approved because of issues like emissions from the crematorium and access because Crowthorn Road is very narrow.

"But personally I can't see it causing many problems as long as they will deal with the emissions properly and adhere to regulation."

If planning permission is granted Miss Sandiford and Mr Woodward hope to start building in the Spring and to be open in Autumn. They expect to employ three members of staff initially.

The nearest pet cemetery, at Rossendale, is the largest in Britain with 1,500 graves.

It is thought there are around 80 similar facilities across the country.Stephen Mayles, vice-chairman of The Association of Private Pet Cemeteries and Crematoria, said: "This kind of facility is becoming more popular. I think the need has always been there but the public have not always known about the facilities available."