CHURCH leaders have suspended a decision ordering a couple to remove the headstone from their daughter's grave in a Harwood churchyard.

And officials from the Diocese of Manchester have also now agreed to pay the costs of an appeal by the couple in an ecclesiastical court.

Marylin and Tony Cheetham, of Brook Bank, Harwood, had been told to remove the headstone on the grave of their 24-year-old daughter, Hayley, in Christ's Church churchyard, because it had an engraved portrait of her. They were originally given the chance to appeal against the decision by taking the matter to a consistory court, but were forced to refuse because of the costs involved.

Now the Diocese of Manchester says church leaders are keen to discuss the issue with the couple in a "fair and open" environment.

Stephen Goddard, director of communications for the Diocese of Manchester said: "Mr and Mrs Cheetham's plans for a memorial with an engraved portrait of their daughter were originally refused because they contravened graveyard regulations.

"They were advised by the chancellor to appeal against the decision through a consistory court, a special ecclesiastical court of appeal.

"Mr and Mrs Cheetham commissioned and installed the memorial without acknowledging or making use of a consistory court.

"The chancellor, therefore, had no legal option but, reluctantly, to serve notice of the removal of the memorial through the Diocesan Registrar."

Mr Goddard said in view of the "exceptional circumstances" of Hayley's death, the Diocese is now suspending the notice ordering the removal of the headstone and has "no intention" of awarding any costs against Mr and Mrs Cheetham. "The Chancellor has always been of the opinion that a consistory court would enable the matter to be discussed in a human and personal way," said Mr Goddard.

"The chancellor reiterates that no costs will be accrued to Mr and Mrs Cheetham, other than costs incurred by them should they wish to appoint a third party to represent them at the consistory court."

He added: "It is the hope of all concerned that we reach an amicable agreement in difficult and trying circumstances."

Today Hayley's father, Tony, said: "We welcome the decision of the Manchester Diocese for the opportunity to present our case for Hayley in a fair and just manner in their consistory court and we would be happy to attend the hearing.

"The reason we did not attend the original court hearing, after careful consideration, was that we were advised by the Diocese that we would be liable for all costs concerned.

"After taking into consideration the fact that we had already paid all the necessary fees to the church and the diocese concerning Hayley's memorial we found we had reached our financial limit."

Mr Cheetham added: "This time we are certain when our full case for Hayley is presented there can only be one just and right decision for our situation -- and that is for Hayley's portrait to remain."