CHURCH officials have had a re-think after a distraught Worcester woman contacted the Evening News over threats to remove ornaments left on her mother's grave.

Jackie Brown claims she was ordered to take two small stone animals from the grave at St James the Great, Norton, because they were "inappropriate".

Earlier this month the Evening News revealed how church officials had left notices on graves at the church, ordering relatives to remove the homemade memorials and even silk flowers.

Angry mourners contacted the paper after being told failure to remove the memorials by Saturday, November 3, would result in them being destroyed.

But the vicar, the Rev Donald Sloggett, said after "negotiations" on Mrs Brown's behalf, some of the ornaments would be allowed to stay.

The mother-of-three said the family's children had been so upset by the notice, her 13-year-old daughter, Becky, had written a letter to Mr Sloggett pleading with him not to remove the stone frog and rabbit.

"The animals were gifts from the children which were placed on the grave by them on the day of the funeral and they were devastated," she said.

"We're surprised and upset by the situation, especially against the current backdrop of world suffering.

"There was no indication at the time that these items were unsuitable and they're small and unobtrusive. We have five family graves in the churchyard which we maintain to a high standard because we take the appearance of the church very seriously."

But in a letter to the Evening News, Mr Sloggett said he was sorry for any additional grief the situation may have caused. He added it was a decision made by church officials after "much deliberation".

"We walk a very difficult path between seeking to support and comfort people in their grief and the responsibility laid upon us by the country to manage and maintain ancient churchyards," he stated.

"I have received a letter from Mrs Brown with regard to our telephone conversation and have written to her to tell her I have been in negotiation on her behalf with diocesan officials.

"Some of the items accumulated may be left in place, provided this is not seen as setting a precedent."