Residents and clergy have buried their differences to end a graveyard row which left a town divided.

Brightlingsea Town Council has handed ownership of land to the Diocese of Chelmsford that will allow an extension to the cemetery at All Saints' Church.

It brings to a halt the bitter dispute that has raged since former vicar, the Rev Richard Salenius, decided in 2003 that the churchyard was too full for more burials.

Mr Salenius later resigned after a period off sick with stress, as residents anxious to be buried alongside their ancestors began a noisy campaign to try to overturn the decision.

The new land is expected to provide room for 80 more burials. The Bishop of Chelmsford is due to consecrate it later this month.