THE family of a girl killed in a house fire have written to the Queen for help in their fight to keep a headstone on her grave.

Marilyn and Tony Cheetham from Brook Bank, Harwood, are battling to overturn an order from the Diocese of Manchester to remove their daughter Hayley's headstone from Christ's Church churchyard.

The row has started because it has an engraved picture of Hayley on it

They are taking the case to consistory court and have been gathering support by asking people to sign a petition.

Mrs Cheetham has written to the Queen and MP David Crausby to ask for help.

Mr Cheetham and son-in-law Alistair Dobie hope to set up a table where people can sign their petition in the town centre this weekend.

Hayley, a former Turton High School pupil, died in February last year when a fire swept through a listed cottage after a house party in Esher, Surrey.

Hayley's grandmother, Lilian Cheetham, of Charles Court, Bolton, said: "When Hayley set off for the party she was so happy, we had no idea what was going to happen.

"It is so sad for people who lose someone close because when you say goodbye to them you have no idea you will never see them again.

"She was taken from us so suddenly. My heart goes out to the people in America who are suffering like we have."

Mrs Cheetham, who lives with husband Arthur, spoke of the battle to keep Hayley's memorial.

She said: "It is very upsetting for us. We were all so close to her and we miss her so much.

"She is kept alive by her picture."