Wildflower work in one of Dorchester's cemeteries has been recognised by the Dorset Wildlife Trust.

It has designated the town council Fordington Cemetery as a Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI).

The designation comes after the results of the first survey were assessed.

Town council outdoor staff had changed the management of the cemetery with the aim of creating a better environment for flowers, grasses and other plants, increasing the biodiversity of the site which also reduces the need for frequent cutting.

The survey discovered more than 70 plant species in the one hectare site which is thought to have been used by the church since the mid-1800s and was probably previously pastureland for Parsonage Farm.

Said the Wildlife Trust report: "the graveyard is an important area of remnant, unimproved grassland that is important for its flowering plants as well as an important habitat for other wildlife such as bees and hoverflies."

The site includes several Dorset notable species with a collection of names which include Lady's bedstraw, Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Quaking Grass, Rough hawkbit and Burnet saxifrage.

Town councillors congratulated outdoor services manager Carl Dallison and his staff for the achievement.