MOURNERS have been warned to stop putting artificial flowers on their loved ones’ graves, or have them removed.

Copies of a note by the Rev Jan Dash have been left at more than 30 graves at St Margaret’s Church in Darenth. It warns that if the flowers are not removed by April 15, they will be taken away and put aside for collection.

Mourners have also been warned that memorials in the garden of remembrance are not allowed.

Mrs Dash said the action was to comply with churchyard regulations and said: "We don’t want to upset anyone but while in the Eighties there were one or two graves with artificial flowers, there are now more than 30.

"One or two people have phoned to complain and a few have approached me about this. But when I’ve explained they’ve understood."

Mrs Dash’s note reads: "I know that people do care for the graves in the churchyard very well. However, we have noticed that several graves have artificial flowers on them, which is against churchyard regulations.

"I am writing to request that you removed the artificial flowers from this grave as soon as possible. I have to warn you that any artificial flowers not removed from the churchyard by April 15, will be removed and left by the water tap for collection."