REGARDING the article on Michelle Booth who had ornaments stolen from her child's grave at St Mary's Church ('Heartbreak', the Guide, December 22): the priest, Mr Hackett, said it was very rare for things like this to happen.

I too have had flowers, plants and a stone vase stolen from my parents' and my husband's graves there.

The thieves find it easy since the railings were taken down.

Dogs use the church yard as a toilet and the turf we have laid has not once, but three times been ruined. It is like a rugby pitch.

MRS J DOOLAN

The Meadows, Prestwich