TREES have been planted to mark the grave of the architect who designed York Cemetery.

James Pritchett was born in Pembrokeshire in 1789 and moved to York in the early 19th century.

He is buried in the cemetery, but, as his headstone had worn away over time, the Friends of the Cemetery group set about raising money to buy a new one.

The donations received were also sufficient to buy trees to plant in the newly designated Pritchett Garden.

Lord Mayor, Keith Orrell, and his wife, Judith, the Lady Mayoress, recently attended the planting ceremony.

Cllr Orrell said: "One of the pleasures of being Lord Mayor is finding out more about parts of York that you sometimes take for granted.

"The cemetery has a fascinating history and it is a great credit to the Friends that they take such pride in the work that they do there."

Pritchett saw vast changes in his lifetime, including the industrialisation of York. Among his designs are the cemetery chapel, the gatehouse, the cemetery gate and railings - all of which are Grade II listed - as well as many other buildings across York, particularly on Lendal.

The Friends of York Cemetery charity was set up to manage the site in 1988 and also offers guided walks and other events. See yorkcemetery.org.uk