A DISTRESSED family say they are heartbroken at the thought of their family's graves being flattened to build an extension to a Poole church.

A week ago, the Daily Echo revealed plans for St Mary's Church, on Longfleet Road, to construct a new two-storey hall and associated parking.

The development would involve building over part of the current graveyard, home to around 800 cherished graves.

Elsie Thomas, from South Road, Poole, has her mother and father buried in the St Mary's yard and was stunned to hear of the plans in the Echo.

"It's a very sad time as it was my sister's birthday this week, and my mum died just after giving birth to her," said Mrs Thomas. "I went mad when I heard about the plans. It's very distressing.

"My daughter and brother take me down there to visit the graves as often as we can. They are still very dear to us."

Mrs Thomas's daughter, Sarah House, said the family had only recently paid £200 to have the headstones on the graves re-set. "I think it's disgusting," she said.

Eric Bolt, brother of Mrs Thomas, wrote to the Echo from his home in Middlesex to express his distress.

"I vividly remember accompanying my father when we cut the grass and placed fresh flowers," he said.

"There are still lots of families who mourn their relatives."

Dozens of people have made their voices heard on the subject on the Daily Echo website.

Robert Stickland said he was "shaking with anger" at the plans, while David, from Poole, feels they show a "total disregard" for people's feelings.

The church says they want to create a new community facility and serve the needs of the current generation.

Simon, a worshipper at St Mary's, argued: "We have great respect for the dead, but also see our responsibility towards the community is just as great."

Paul, from Poole, said the project would be a "win-win" situation, with a new facility for the church and community, and a garden of remembrance for the dead.