Weekend and bank holiday burials will be introduced in Watford after a council u-turn.

Watford Borough Council will now offer the burials after a new cemeteries strategy was agreed at cabinet - four years after the issue was first bought to the council's attention.

Labour councillors Asif Khan Sohail Bashir spearheaded a campaign to introduce the flexible Muriel to reflect the growing Muslim population in the town - who bury their loved ones at least the day after death.

A petition launched in May gained more than 2,500 signatures, leading to a motion being bought the council.

The new service will be available for those communities where there is a religious or cultural requirement to bury the dead as soon as possible.

Callowland cllr Sohail Bashir said: "We are glad the council has finally come to its senses.

"This is fantastic news. It is a viral service that needs to be provided so our service in in line with modern times.

"Other towns up and down the county have the provision so it is about time we do."

added: This is a great victory for common senses. Years of work has finally paid off, and this is good news not only for the Muslim community but for everyone."

Elected Mayor of Watford Dorothy Thornhill said: "It's important that we provide the kind of cemetery service that local residents want and, in light of changing needs and expectations, we launched a full review at the beginning of the year.

"We looked at a range of issues including making sure there were enough members of staff to provide a good service, providing a weekend service, and ensuring that there will be enough cemetery space in the years to come.

"These are complicated issues that require effective planning, and this report goes a long way to secure a sustainable future for our cemeteries. A weekend and bank holiday service will be introduced as soon as possible."

The council is now considering where a future cemetery in Watford could be sited. The cemetery is expected to cost around £1million, and could be opened within the next few years.