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A funeral home has defended its plans to open a mortuary next to a primary school.

Hardy's Funeral Services was criticised by the head of Spennymoor's King Street school, who said proposals to convert a nearby residential home were inappropriate.

She said the move could have a "detrimental impact on the school's future".

In a statement, the funeral company acknowledged its work was "particularly sensitive" and said its main objective was to be discreet.

Due to a lack of space and car parking, no funeral services would take place at the site, according to the company's statement, seen by the .

"The reason for choosing this site above others, which would not have required a change of use, is that clients can arrive, park their car in a designated parking bay to the rear of the premises, enter and leave the premises in relative privacy," it added.

The statement also said it would bring deceased people into the property discreetly, via a closed vehicle that would be reversed into a garage space, with a retractable side awning fitted between the garage and main building.

The reverse procedure would see bodies removed in a coffin and placed in a hearse in the garage.

Previously, the school's headteacher Joanne Bromley said parents would not support the conversion plans and suggested some would look to move their children from the school if the proposals were approved, while new parents would be put off sending their children there.

Durham County Council will consider Hardy's planning application later this year.

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