HUNDREDS of exhumations are set to take place to pave the way for a £1.3m community centre.

The remains of about 880 people at Christ Church, Oldham Road, Ashton, will be moved from their graves to another part of the churchyard.

None of the graves that will be relocated have gravestones because the churchyard was grassed over in 1973.

In total, 240 graves — containing 880 burials — the majority dating from before 1900 and about a dozen from 1930 to 1958, will be moved.

Church leaders have pledged to adhere to strict CofE guidelines to ensure it is done with "dignity, respect and the full blessing" of the church.

It is expected to take a week to move the remains and each reburial will be accompanied by prayers and a rededication service.

Church officials say the building project has community support and will be an important resource.

The Rev Lee Longden said: "We were honoured to receive the green light to take the step in developing this facility. Our priority now is to make sure everyone knows what an opportunity this is and to allow everyone to understand what will happen as the project moves forward."

The Big Lottery Fund has provided a £500,000 grant towards the building, known as the 4C Community Centre. The community centre plans  are subject to planning permission and anyone with concerns can make them known during the consultation process.

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