A grieving wife is devastated she is not allowed to use her preferred epitaph for her husband because it is "too personal".
It took Karin Innes six months to compose the perfect farewell on the tombstone of her late husband, Sergeant Major John Innes, which was to read simply: "Gone from our home but not from our hearts."
But a row has erupted because the vicar who runs the churchyard rejected the message because it did not fit in with the guidelines of the diocese.
The Rev Ian Fisher, of St Mary's Church, Shoebury, where Sgt Maj Innes now lies, said the epitaph should be about the person who died, not the feelings of those left behind.
Nearly a year after his death, Sgt Maj Innes's 66-year-old widow has been forced to compose another message.
Her new composition submitted to the vicar for approval says: "Treasured memories of a loved husband, dad, and granddad. John Innes. Date of birth: 31 December 1935. He died: 11 April 2004."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article