A Letter to Heaven white post box has been installed in Egremont Cemetery.

The Letters to Heaven post box was donated by Michelle Milton who asked Egremont Town Council if she could site the white post box in Egremont Cemetery after losing her own daughter.

Egremont Councillors thought this to be a thoughtful and selfless gesture and one which they too feel would bring solace to anyone who has lost a loved one, so granted permission.

Michelle and family said: “After losing our beloved daughter Ivy aged just 4 years old, we received some lovely drawings with heart felt messages for Ivy from our nieces, Ivy’s school friends and children from within our friendship groups who Ivy grew up alongside of.

“We believe it gave the children some comfort in doing this for Ivy and they were able to express their feelings by drawing or writing them down.

“Ivy attended Orgill Primary School from Two’s group up until her second year of nursery and the school provided a safe space with memory books of Ivy.

“This safe space was not only for the school children to use but the Headteacher of Orgill School Mrs Collins, her staff and parents also added lovely messages in the three beautiful memory books that are full of lovely words, drawings, and photos of Ivy loving her time with friends and staff at school.

“We therefore hope the Letters to Heaven can give those who have lost loved ones, comfort – the post box is open to everyone to use and I myself will use it.”

The post box is now sited on the memorial wall which is on the right as you enter into the cemetery.

A spokesperson for Egremont Town Council said: “Anyone is welcome to post their letters, cards, poems, pictures in this box, but no soft toys or other items.

“The post box is locked and will be emptied on a regular basis by the Cemetery Curator and the Council can assure the public that no letters will be read but they will be recycled within the compost used on the flower beds and planters within the cemetery so they will never leave the grounds.

“Please note that no letters can be retrieved once the letters have been posted.

“Egremont Town Council thanks Michelle and her family and they hope that people benefit from using it.”