THE community of Horwich joined together to commemorate the lives of nearly 200 people buried in paupers' graves.

More than 100 people attended the special tribute on Saturday to remember the 198 people — including 73 stillborn children — lying in common graves at Ridgmont Cemetery buried between 1928 and 1977.

Paupers' graves refer to graves which were paid for at public expense, because the person's family could not afford one themselves.

The occasion was attended by town's civic and religious leaders, as well as students from Rivington and Blackrod High School who provided musical accompaniment.

A short service marked the end of a project to renovate the site, which saw the unveiling of a new headstone to pay tribute to the dead.

Local resident Doreen Carey, aged 69, said: "It's lovely that everyone has come together for what was an appropriate, uplifting ceremony."

The service was the result of a seven-month project, which was started by local resident Ken Chaisty, who has since discovered that he has a relative who is buried there.

Mr Chaisty, of Back George Street, Horwich, said: “It has been a very emotional day.

"We have a lad buried there. He was only 10 months old when he died. Albert Victor Chaisty, he was called. He lived in Brindley Street, Horwich, and died in 1928. I didn't know this until I started on this project.

"There are many people who have found that they have relations who were laid to rest here, so it is an important day for many.

"I really think that Horwich is a better place after holding such a poignant service."

Mr Chaisty started the project to tidy up the resting place in August after noticing the signs and markings had badly deteriorated.

He said: "I remember my mum told me that paupers were buried there when I was about 10. I learnt that they had no money to have a proper burial, which was common in those days. Many people back then couldn't afford food never mind a funeral.

"I saw the signs had become damaged so thought it would be fitting to allow family members to come and pay their respects at a plot with a proper headstone."

The names of the people known to be buried in the graves can be viewed at Horwich Heritage Centre.

Two of those are James and Lucy Stuchbury, who were buried in 1937 and 1940 respectively.

Their grandson Eric Stuchbury, aged 76, attended the service. He said: "My aunt told me many years ago that they were buried there. I never knew them — they died before I was born. So it is really good to know I can come up here and pay my respects."