Three Yorkshire councils have been forced to suspend all new funeral services due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Kirklees Council has become the third to take the ‘very difficult’ decision not to take any new bookings for funerals at two of its crematoriums.

Any new bookings will be carried out as ‘direct cremations’ without a service or any mourners allowed to attend.

Cllr Rob Walker, the council’s cabinet member for environment said: ‘Sadly, whilst this terrible virus continues to spread throughout the world we need to put in place measures to protect our staff, mourners and their families.

‘We know that losing a loved one is heartbreaking, and we understand that funerals provide an opportunity to formally say goodbye and celebrate their life. This is why we are working with funeral directors to explore ways for memorials to take place in the future.’

Both Bradford and Leeds City Councils have also announced they will no longer be able to take further bookings for funeral services within their crematoriums.

Most councils have also limited mourners to a maximum of ten people to allow social distancing to take place.