IT IS cheaper to be buried in Bolton than many other parts of the country. A nationwide survey revealed it can cost as much as £1,600 to be buried in a council-run cemetery somewhere like Birmingham.

But in Bolton, fees range from £737 to £840 depending on the number of people the plot will hold.

Many local authorities around the country are under pressure for space in their increasingly crowded cemeteries.

But John White, manager and registrar of Bolton's cemeteries and crematorium, says the borough still has space enough for burials for the next 20 years.

This is helped by Bolton having a larger number of people than average choosing cremation rather than burial.

Mr White said: "Nationally around 70pc of people are cremated whereas in Bolton the figure is nearer 80pc.

"People are used to coming to Overdale now."

Despite the popularity of cremation some people still prefer burial and Mr White says more and more people are beginning to plan ahead.

He said: "We are seeing an increase in people coming and buying graves for later use."

This is especially popular when a burial has taken place and other members of the family buy the adjacent plot. Current fees are £443 for the plot of land then an additional internment charge of £294 if one person is buried up to £397 for a grave capable of holding up to three people.

Mr White says that although local cemeteries have plenty of room available consideration will have to be given in the future to extending the Muslim sections at Heaton Cemetery or starting a purpose built cemetery as followers of the faith are buried singly in graves rather than being cremated.