Campaigners trying to save one of Bradford's oldest graveyards from being re-developed have launched a petition in protest at the plans.

Great Horton Methodist Church wants to remove human remains, tombstones and monuments from the burial ground to the rear of the church to make way for a development.

But campaigners fear that the plan, which involves moving more than 1,000 graves, will jeopardise hundreds of years of Bradford's history.

The remains will be re-interred in an area within the existing burial ground or church grounds that will be designated as a garden of remembrance but the tombstones and monuments will be disposed of.

Jane Pool, a former member of the Undercliffe Cemetery Charity, which worked to restore historic cemetery said: "We will do whatever it takes to stop this happening because we recognise the importance of our heritage and preserving it."

Some of the graves in the cemetery date back to 1810.

It is thought the most recent burial to take place at the church was 25 years ago.

"Graveyards tell us so much about our history and should be preserved for that reason as well as out of respect for the deceased buried there," said Mrs Poole, of Clayton.

Dennis Naylor, a genealogist, is also opposing the plans. "This graveyard is massively important to Bradford and every effort should be made by Bradfordians to preserve it," he said.

A Bradford Council spokesman said no planning application for the land had been received as yet.

No one from the church has been available to comment on the proposal.

The Rev Paul Flowers, who also serves as a Labour councillor for the Great Horton ward, is in South Africa until January 15.

The T&A reported last month on plans to relocate Bradford's internationally-renowned Interfaith Education Centre and Great Horton Library to the church site.

The move is being considered by the Council's executive committee.

Anyone wanting to object to the proposals is asked to write to the Rev Paul Flowers, at 14 Hollingwood Drive, Bradford, BD7 4DH by the deadline.

Anyone wanting more information on the graves affected is asked to call (01274) 571341 or (01274) 572911.