A grandmother was distraught after finding her parents’ grave covered in a pile of dirt which was dumped there by grave diggers.

Thetford & Brandon Times: The dirt that Denise Browne found on her parents' grave. Picture: Denise BrowneThe dirt that Denise Browne found on her parents' grave. Picture: Denise Browne (Image: Archant)

Denise Browne, 65, went to St Mary's Church in Weeting to visit the grave of her still-born daughter in what was going to be a celebration of her birthday.

Her parents, Florence and Dennis Kent, are also buried in the cemetery and after paying respect to her daughter she went to visit her parents' grave when she found a mound of dirt, netting and a stake covering it.

The grandmother-of-four said: "It's very upsetting and I am appalled.

"I went to the grave last week because it was the birthday of my daughter who was still born. I went with my granddaughter and we looked out over the graveyard and saw a mound of all this muck. I thought that someone had dug up my mum and dad.

Thetford & Brandon Times: Denise Browne at her parents' grave which was covered in soil as diggers prepared the grave in the next plot at Weeting Church. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYDenise Browne at her parents' grave which was covered in soil as diggers prepared the grave in the next plot at Weeting Church. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2019)

"A mesh had been put over the top and grave diggers had put the muck all over my mum and dad, a stake had also been put through the middle. I was so distraught."

Co-op Funeralcare said it tried to remain respectful to other graves but due to space limitations other graves may be affected.

A spokesman said: "We understand how distressing this has been and we wholly apologise for any upset caused.

"We sub-contract grave diggers to work on our behalf in this location. Wherever possible, disruption to surrounding graves is limited.

Thetford & Brandon Times: Denise Browne at her parents' grave which was covered in soil as diggers prepared the grave in the next plot at Weeting Church. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYDenise Browne at her parents' grave which was covered in soil as diggers prepared the grave in the next plot at Weeting Church. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2019)

"However, when this is unavoidable soil may temporarily be homed on an adjacent grave whilst the work is underway. This is carried out with the utmost care and respect for the surrounding graves.

"We have shared the concerns raised with the grave diggers so that any possible future improvements can be made."

Mrs Browne raised the issue with the vicar of the church in the hope it would not happen to any other families.

"I couldn't even see the names of my parents because the mound was so high and covered the grave," she added.

"It shows such a disrespect for other graves.

"People have no respect, I wouldn't want this to happen to any other families."