CONSTRUCTION giant Carillion has stepped in to help fix broken historic gravestones in a Cradley churchyard.

St Peter's Church has been unable to afford to get the broken gravestones fixed as the relatives of the buried are responsible but cannot be found.

However, Carillion have promised to supply supervised apprentices to fix the gravestones.

Vicar of St Peter’s Rev’d Katryn Leclézio said: “We are very pleased at this opportunity to work in partnership with Carillion.

“We realised that our church yard would be an excellent training opportunity for people learning about grave yard maintenance and for practice in skills like brick laying and repairs.

"We hope that the young people involved will learn something from their company’s ethos of putting back into the community using their skills and knowledge.”

Legally grave monuments belong to those who have paid for them to be erected but due to the historic nature of them that has not been the case at St Peter’s churchyard.

After visiting the churchyard the Archdeacon of Dudley gave permission for repairing graves where possible and making irreparable graves safe.

Carillion will provide labour for free, but cement, sand and specialised bricks will need to be provided for the apprentices and their teachers before work starts.

Rev Leclézio added: "Anyone who wishes to donate sand and cement or to make a donation towards materials for the repairs then please get in touch."

Anyone who is responsible for monuments in St Peter’s churchyard wish to contribute to the repairs of their family graves contact Rev’d Katryn on 01384 411 383 or email revkat@halasteam.org.uk.