Lib Dem candidate Josh Mason posts crematorium selfie Published duration 22 February 2015

image copyright Political Scrapbook image caption Josh Mason uploaded the image to dating app Tinder which shows him in front of the crematorium furnace

A Liberal Democrat candidate has apologised for taking a selfie in front of a crematorium furnace and posting it to a dating app.

The photo, obtained by Political Scrapbook , shows Josh Mason posing at the Kirkleatham Memorial Park and Crematorium near Yearby.

Mr Mason, 26, confirmed to the BBC he took the photo, which was uploaded to dating app Tinder and Facebook.

He will stand as prospective MP for Redcar in May's general election.

Mr Mason, who is deputy leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: "I deeply regret any offence I may have caused".

He declined to be interviewed, but said in a statement: "Being born and bred in Redcar and Cleveland, I imagine that one day, Yearby Crematorium will be my own final destination.

"My visit there was a stark reminder of our shared mortality.

"Indeed, I have already said a last 'goodbye' to a number of family friends and colleagues there.

"Nevertheless, I deeply regret any offence I may have caused."

Mr Mason hopes to replace Redcar's current Lib Dem MP, Ian Swales, who is standing down.

Analysis: David Rhodes, BBC North East politics reporter

There is much talk at the moment of how the 2015 general election will be a "social media" election.

All political parties will look to utilise the many benefits that social media platforms can provide when campaigning.

However, as a result candidates standing for election will come under greater scrutiny in terms of the kind of material they upload to such websites in the first place.

Related Topics Redcar