The gardens of West Herts Crematorium are filled with thousands of trees and flowers, dedicated to the memories of loved ones by their family and friends.

One more was planted on Sunday, to mark 50 years of service to the community by the award-winning crematorium.

Eighty invited guests attended a service to mark the anniversary, led by the Bishop of Hertford, the Rt Rev Christopher Foster, which preceded the tree planting.

Kate Day, manager and registrar at West Herts Crematorium, in High Elms Lane, said: “The crematorium has been serving the local community for 50 years.

"In an ever-changing world, we are proud to assure people that we are committed to providing services and surroundings that reflect our reputation for care and quality in all that we do.”

The crematorium is run jointly by Watford Borough Council, Three Rivers District Council, Dacorum Borough Council, Hertsmere Borough Council and St Albans City and District Council.

Its 150-seat North Chapel opened in 1959 at a time when burial services were more popular than cremations.

But as cremations became more commonplace, a second smaller South Chapel was added in 1977.

From 1,500 services in its first year, it is now one of the busiest in the country, carrying out more than 3,000 cremations per year.

Last year it won the nationally prestigious Crematorium of the Year Award, which recognises the crematorium’s excellent service to the local community and its high standards of facilities.

Judges from the Memorial Awareness Board reported: “It was a privilege to visit the West Herts Crematorium and to see some of the very many aspects of best practice being implemented. Clearly there is an excellent management team encouraging the development of skills for all their staff.

“Over the years the buildings have clearly been sympathetically developed to meet today's requirements. The refurbishments and developments provide a superb facility that embraces excellent provision of service and care."

Councillor Bert Chapman, from Dacorum Borough Council, said: “Creating an environment that brings comfort and peace to visitors is always a high priority at West Herts Crematorium. We work hard to maintain a dignified and respectful atmosphere, and our gardeners take considerable personal pride in the beautiful gardens they create. Spring and summer planting is carried out every year to make the best of the wonderful space we have.”

For more information, telephone 01923 673285 or visit www.westhertscrem.org.