Families who buy memorials at an Evesham Crematorium will have the chance to help protect the planet.

The Vale Crematorium provides an opportunity for families to donate to World Land Trust (WLT) by purchasing a memorial.

For every memorial purchased between Monday, September 9 and Sunday, October 6, the Westerleigh Group, the parent company of the crematorium, will contribute £100 to the Buy an Acre programme of the trust at no extra expense to the buyer.

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The WLT, an international charity that protects the world's most biologically significant and threatened habitats, assures purchasers that every £100 supports the acquisition and protection of an acre of land in some of the world's most biodiverse habitats.

These habitats are at risk from deforestation, urbanisation and agriculture.

Westerleigh Group has committed to donate at least £45,500 to the programme, which could potentially be even more dependent on memorial purchases.

The Group owns and operates 40 cemeteries and crematoriums across England, Scotland, and Wales.

For each memorial sold during the qualifying period at any of their locations the £100 contribution will come from its metal recycling scheme.

Metals recovered during cremation are recycled with family permission, and funds raised support charities, community activities and environmental initiatives.

Giles Palmer, head of grounds at the Group, said: "Westerleigh Group is proud of its commitment to provide exceptional care to the bereaved and their loved ones.

"But our care goes much further than that and we also care deeply about the wider communities, which includes minimising our environmental impact by conducting our business in a responsible, sustainable and ethical way and working with partners who share same values."

The Vale Crematorium manager Catherine Linfield added: "When you make a memorial purchase during the qualifying period, you also have the chance of being part of something truly special, helping to protect ecologically important land.”

Tracey Butler, corporate partnerships manager from the trust, said: "We are honoured to partner with Westerleigh Group and tremendously grateful for their generosity on behalf of families and loved ones.

"This support will achieve incredible impact by bringing crucial habitat under protection - for species, biodiversity, local people and the planet."