DOZENS of people in Barrow have been laid to rest in ceremonies formerly known as pauper's funerals over the last ten years.

Tragically, more than 50 people have been given public health funerals provided by the council in that time.

Formerly known as pauper's funerals, the ceremonies are used when someone has no next of kin or is unable to afford a ceremony.

In Barrow, ceremonies see people committed to the earth in a 'modest' graveside service at the town's cemetery.

According to Barrow Council data, 52 people have been given public health funerals in the last decade.

The financial year 2019/20 marked a high for the ceremonies, when 11 people were given the funerals.

Among those given public health funerals was a woman whose body was found on Askam beach last year.

Described as being of East Asian origin and aged between 30 and 40, she is yet to be identified despite police investigations.

Her funeral was attend by Coastguard crew wearing uniform.

More than £75,000 has been spent by the council on public health funerals in the last ten years, although the cost can be recovered from the person's estate.

The youngest person to receive one was 31.

A Barrow Borough Council spokesperson said: "Barrow Borough Council has a duty to make funeral arrangements for individuals that have died with no known next of kin.

"This responsibility falls under the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984 section 46(1).

"The Council will arrange a modest graveside funeral service at Barrow cemetery. If the deceased has left any money in a bank or building society, from an insurance policy or pensions, this will be used towards the funeral expenses.

"For more information on this please visit: barrowbc.gov.uk/residents/public-protection-services/environmental-protection/public-health-funeral/