A HAMPSHIRE man has criticised a village church after he was told to remove an ornament from his father's grave.

Paul East said he was outraged that he could not have the memorial stone at his father John's grave at the Church of St Mary and St Michael, Stoke Charity, near Sutton Scotney.

Mr East, 47, who grew up in the village, said: “I had a call from the vicar who said they do not allow such stones in the graveyard and I find that quite unfair. I have found the stone hidden behind a big oak tree before so it must have been moved, which I think is very disrespectful.

“It's not a big ugly thing, it's hand painted and it rests on his tombstone so it doesn't stick out. It's been beautifully made and is a memory to my father so it's very important. You go Morn Hill cemetery and you will see ornaments all over the place.”

He placed the stone at the grave in November 2012, a year after his father died, and said he had no idea there were rules against it.

Mr East, who now lives in Andover, added: “Last week I had a letter from the diocesan chancellor who confirmed the stone was 'unacceptable' but that I could apply for a petition that costs £179. But he said it was unlikely to succeed so why should I do that?”

But Rev Sue Foster, vicar of the Upper Dever benefice which includes Stoke Charity, said the stone did not comply with diocesan guidelines.

She said: “There is already a memorial tablet at this grave that met the guidelines but Mr East's stone does not fit in because of its design.

“It suddenly appeared in the churchyard and we were not consulted so I spoke to Mr East and asked him to remove it and he declined. I even went to the diocesan chancellor and was told it does not fit in.

“We have left the stone there when we have every right to remove it. I hope we do not have to do that. It's important for people to have a tribute to their loved ones and we pray for the family but I have to go by the guidelines set by the diocese.”