ORGANISERS of a new tribute to nearly 200 people buried in paupers graves in Horwich say they have been overwhelmed with the response to their event.

Residents are being invited to a ceremony to mark the restoration of the site at Ridgmont Cemetery, Chorley Old Road, Horwich, on Saturday, March 5.

A gravestone which will act as a permanent memorial to those buried in the area of the cemetery has been donated to organised by Livesey Funeral directors in Horwich.

The inscription on the gravestone will read: "Public graves. In memory of adults and children from Horwich Church of England and Roman Catholic churches buried in these unmarked graves, 1928-1977. Forever remembered in God's safe keeping."

Other items to be donated by residents for the memorial include flowers and two hand carved angels.

In addition, a book featuring the names of all of the 198 men, women and children to be buried at the site is being compiled.