A MOTHER can keep the photo of her daughter on a gravestone in Lytchett Matravers - but must take away the accompanying toys.

Parish councillors agreed at a meeting on Monday night that their rules for Row Park cemetery should be changed.

This comes after the Daily Echo told how the parish council demanded mother Sarah Skinner remove a small oval picture from the memorial to her seven-year-old, severely disabled daughter Sky, who died 18 months ago.

The 38-year-old mother of six waited anxiously as parish councillors discussed matters such as overgrown hedges and rumble strips before the issue of photos on gravestones came up.

Then members of the environmental and highways committee voted three-to-one that photos of a "reasonable size" should be allowed on grave stones.

But it was agreed the knick-knacks, such as windmills and teddy bears, were "offensive".

The final decision will be taken at a full meeting of the parish council on Monday, May 16.

Mrs Skinner said after the meeting: "I can't give Sky birthday presents like I can my other kids.

"It's not just me that puts things on her grave - it's my other children, and aunties and teachers."

She also pointed out no-one had a problem with the toys she puts on the grave of her other daughter, Ashton, who died from cot death at the age of six weeks 12 years ago and is buried in the churchyard.

She said: "I don't think it's offensive. People tell me it brightens up the graveyard; it makes them smile."

Councillor Wendy Meaden said a survey had been conducted in Lytchett Matravers and two-thirds of people did not want to see pictures on graves.

And parish council chairman George Page added: "Having got graveyard regulations, we must be able to enforce them.

"There are other things on this grave that are going on that are in breach and people find offensive.

"Mrs Skinner should abide by these rules."

Mrs Skinner presented a 1,963-signature petition to the council last month asking to keep the photograph of Sky on the memorial.

Ward councillor Lindsay Wilson said: "I'm speechless at this being discussed.

"I think people grieve in different ways and if people want photos, they should have them if they are reasonable size."

First published: May 11