A forgotten graveyard which lies abandoned in the heart of Shipley should be restored to honour the dead and preserve the town's history, a councillor has said.

The site is believed to be the former Bethel Baptist Church churchyard and lies behind woodland between Leeds Road and the railway line.

The church was the first to be built in Shipley and the gravestones include the names of some of the most famous families of the town: the Atkinsons, the Dibbs and the Luptons.

Now, though, the tombs lay forgotten and the churchyard is overgrown.

The only access to the graveyard is through a hedge.

Councillor Phillip Thornton (Labour, Shipley East) wants Bradford Council to restore the graveyard and preserve an essential piece of Shipley's history.

"It is around 200 years old. There used to be a church and that was the church yard. Part of the foundations of the church are still standing," he said.

"It has been left to decay now for decades. I think with it being such an important historical site, it should be preserved."

Coun Thornton had been told about the graveyard some time ago, but it was only when he visited it he realised how important it was to Shipley.

"I have written to the head of cemeteries asking it to be cleared. They should repair the tombs and cut back all the overgrown trees.," he said

"This is an area which should attract listed status."

Bethel Baptist Church was demolished in the 1970s. The original church was built in 1758 when the town was just a hamlet The church was rebuilt in 1837 and at the height of its popularity, had 303 members.