A CLEAN-UP operation is about to start at a cemetery following a fire that spread to the size of almost two football pitches.

The blaze, at Broadwater Cemetery in Worthing, is believed to have been started when parched grass was ignited through a discarded piece of glass.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said it was one of 15 fires attended that day, last Friday, in the Worthing area and that glass was the most likely cause.

Worthing Borough Council has urged people to be more vigilant in disposing of litter especially during hot periods.

The park rangers team from the council, along with volunteers, will now begin a clean-up operation at the cemetery.

The Friends of Broadwater Cemetery will also join in to tidy up and rake over the burnt areas.

Rangers said they are confident the grass and other foliage will return but, in the meantime, remedial measures will be taken.

Councillor Vicki Wells, the council’s cabinet member for the environment, said: “Firstly I want to express my sympathies to the families of loved ones who are buried in the cemetery and whose graves were affected by the fire.

“We will do all we can to restore the graves to their former condition.

“Secondly I have asked our park rangers to begin the process of tidying up the area and raking the burnt land so that growth can return. I would also like to thank the Friends of Broadwater Cemetery who will be joining them and already do such sterling work with this beautiful and peaceful spot.”

She added that she was grateful for the prompt actions of West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service which prevented further damage.

The council said it will investigate whether, in future heatwaves, more preventative checks on discarded materials can be made in areas at risk of fire and remind people to either take litter home or use the bins.