RELATIVES were shocked to discover that earth from a newly dug grave had been dumped on top of their father’s final resting place.

Jane Hunt, 51, of Wotton, visited her late father Bernard’s grave in Wotton-under-Edge Cemetery on Monday evening after receiving a tip-off from a friend.

On arrival, Mrs Hunt discovered that her father’s grave had been completely obscured by a huge mound of soil.

"I was just gobsmacked really, absolutely so disgusted. There was clay and mud up to the gravestone," she said. "It was so horrible. I was just horrified to know they could do that."

Her brother Steven Bond, 54, from Wotton, said: "There was an empty space next to dad. Obviously they’d come over with a mini-digger or something and dug the grave, and piled it all on Dad’s grave."

The family said the experience had especially traumatic for their elderly mother, who is due to mark her wedding anniversary next week.

Mr Bond said: "It was just so upsetting. Mum usually goes up, imagine turning up and seeing that."

Bernard James Bond, an electrical engineer from Wotton, passed away aged 69 in October 2005 and was buried in Wotton Cemetery soon after.

After speaking to Wotton Town Council, the earth was moved overnight to an empty plot of grass.

Mrs Hunt said she didn't understand why the excavated earth could not have been placed elsewhere to start with.

Glenys Sykes, Wotton Town Council clerk, said: "The soil has to be put somewhere when there are graves between others. It is usually done without causing any distress and the graves are always protected."

Cllr John Cordwell, Mayor of Wotton, said it was unfortunate that the excavation material was placed where it was.

He said: "It has now been rectified and we will try to ensure it doesn’t happen again. They (the gravediggers) came out very swiftly and I’m sure they will bear it in mind in the future."