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Roselawn Crematorium is set to take on extra staff to deal with the rising demand for cremations in Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council has confirmed.

Even with cremations taking place after just 18% of all deaths in the region - compared with 74% in the rest of the UK - the facility is currently operating at full capacity.

Some families have been forced to wait up to eight days for a service, adding to their distress at a difficult time.

But, following a review, the council has agreed to employ five extra staff and to extend the opening hours at Roselawn.

A spokesman said the decision was taken as the number of people choosing cremation is rising and expected to continue to do so in the future.

"The recommendations adopted by the council last night will increase Roselawn's current capacity by 50%," he said.

"It is envisaged that these changes will be in place by the end of September at the latest."