A FAMILY claim they will have to wear wellies at a loved one's burial service because a graveyard is so overgrown.

Ceridwen Watkins, aged 85, of Kinnock Court, Croesyceiliog, died last Friday and was due to be buried at St John's churchyard in Varteg Road, Garndiffaith, near Pontypool today.

Her furious family say the graveyard is so unkempt that funeral directors had to cut down weeds so the coffin and cortege could make it beyond the churchyard gates. And a goat, pictured, is tethered in the churchyard.

Mrs Watkins' daughter, Dawn Prewett, aged 47, of Bryn Garw, Croesyceiliog, said visiting the churchyard was "like going on safari" and is angry the church will not waive the £119 fee for opening the family grave where her sister Jean and father James Watkins are already buried.

"The gate is eight to nine foot high with weeds and we are going to have to wear Wellingtons for the burial service," she added.

The parish of Abersychan and Garndiffaith vicar Father Ron Jefford, who is responsible for the church, said the upkeep was dependent on burial fees and community donations.

The grave opening fee, he said, was set by the National Assembly.

Father Jefford, told the Argus: "I would love the churchyard to be in pristine condition but where does the money come from?"

* The church is appealing for donations for the upkeep of the churchyard. Anyone interested should make a cheque payable to Father Ron Jefford and send it to him at Vicarage Lane, Abersychan, NP4 8PX.