More than 150 bookings have been made for services at Gravesend Crematorium and Cemetery since it opened last month.

The long-awaited facility held its first one on January 9, and held another 57 before the month was out. In February there have been 83 bookings, there are already almost 30 for March, and more than 100 cremations have taken place.

Having missed its original target December opening date, the 27-acre memorial park in Gravesend Road, Shorne, is making up for lost time.

The London Cremation Company’s (LCC) southeast area manager Kevin Wardle said: “We’ve not had a day when we’ve not had a service here — uptake has been very good.

“Our demographic is primarily Gravesend and the surrounding areas, but we’ve also had some services from a bit further afield.

“From our point of view it’s gone very well. All of the feedback we’ve had has been very positive, both from the public and the funeral directors.”

The chapel boasts a state-of-the-art digital music system and services can be streamed online so that those unable to go can watch from home, and it’s a feature some have already taken advantage of.

Others have bought DVD recordings of services, further evidence that the facility is well placed to succeed in the modern era.

Mr Wardle continued: “We have still got a lot to do in the way of landscaping and the development of the grounds, which is a long term project, but in terms of the building and the facilities it’s been very good.

“People from the Rochester and Chatham areas of Medway, from Gravesham, and from the Dartford area, have all had services here and they’ve gone very well.”

"All of the feedback we’ve had has been very positive, both from the public and the funeral directors" Kevin Wardle

The brick and tile building, designed by Canterbury architects Clague with a rural feel in mind, is surrounded by scenic countryside with space is reserved for a woodland burial area and local wildlife.

LCC is confident that the potential arrival of a Lower Thames Crossing in the area won’t dent its ambience, and managing director Stephen Wright believes the facility perfectly fits the needs of the community.

“This unusual and prestigious project is a shining example of collaborative design-and-build expertise, utilising homegrown and local talent,” he said.

“It is there to serve the community and fits perfectly with our long tradition of providing quality services to the bereaved.”

Information on how to book can be found at thelondoncremation.co.uk/gravesend-crematorium or by calling 01474 823963.