A wilderness of weeds hiding the grave of road accident victim Hannah Coan has been cleaned up by her family and friends, who said they could not bear its neglected state any longer.

The former Wilmington Academy pupil was buried in St Michael and All Angels Church in Church Hill, Wilmington, but since then, her family say, the churchyard has been left to grow wild.

The teenager’s mum Sharon, her aunt Melanie Charge, and six other family members and friends, got together to tackle the neglected site, which includes dozens of other overgrown graves, on Sunday.

Mrs Charge, 39, said “It’s not nice to go to put flowers on a loved ones grave and not even be able to get to it because of the overgrown mess around it.

“It’s bad enough losing someone you love, especially at such a young age, but to see the place they are buried in become a jungle is awful.”

Hannah’s little brother Riley also pitched in to help. The five-year-old dug up the weeds and did what he could to tidy his sister’s resting place.

The mum-of-two continued: “I’d like to think the church will keep on top of this now. I just don’t feel like we should have to do it really, after paying for Hannah’s burial in the church grounds, it should be their responsibility.”

The Rev Richard Ardingcorr said that they, like everyone, have been hit by the economic situation and at present they didn’t have the funds for a full time gardener for the whole site.

The parish council gives money to maintain the churchyard, which is one of the biggest in Kent with over 2,000 graves.

But the funds only stretch to a man visiting twice a year with a strimmer.

MrArding said: “I’m desperately sorry, and my sympathies go to all the friends and family affected by this.

“We’re doing what we can with the limited funds and volunteers we have and are working our way around all the land as quickly as we can.

“We’re always grateful for any help people are prepared to offer.”

If you would like to help the church call 01322 288235.