A RYEDALE churchyard is now accessible by wheelchair after a new easy access route was officially opened.

The new route through All Saints’ churchyard in Thornton-le-Dale, which was opened by parish council chairman Sandra Bell, was created after “more than 10 years of dreaming, and a further two in the planning”. It has been fully funded by church members.

Rector, Reverend Dr Jo White said: “In the last two years we have had two funeral services where a mourner in a wheelchair, who was unable to walk at all, has been prevented from entry and so unable to attend and hear the funeral service of a loved one.

“Churches and churchyards should be open to everyone; not just the fit and healthy.But many churches were built on higher ground specifically so that people would physically have to look up to them and climb up the hill and steps to enter.

“This was intended to remind the people that God is greater and bigger than them. In recent years the issue of access has become more and more prominent.

“People want to come to this churchyard for many different reasons: solving clues to treasure hunt puzzles, local history interests, the varieties of wildflowers, as well as visiting their family graves.”

Since the work, there is now a break in the wall with a wooden gate and a steady slope down to the north door of the church.

However, the church say the work is not yet done. Modifications are needed to enable the north door to open wide enough to allow access for people in wheelchairs, and some internal reordering is required to differing floor levels and the widening of the aisle.

A further £8,000 is needed to complete the job, the church added.

Rev White added: “Everyone in the community has a vested interest in developing an easy access route and we hope that visitors and local people will help to finance the rest of this project.

“Donations may be posted into the Rectory, High Street, Thornton Dale or the Alms Box in All Saints’ church itself. Please make cheques payable to Thornton Dale PCC.”