It would be a wonderful epitaph for our daughter Hayley if the law could be reviewed or at least changed

Tony Cheetham

The Cheetham family buried Hayley two years ago but became aware of opposition of the gravestone depicting an etching of their daughter.

When the Anglican authorities turned down their retrospective request, they appealed to the Manchester diocese, citing a similar etching in the same graveyard.

The ruling has allowed them to keep the picture and possibly set a precedent.

Hayley's father Tony, said: "It would be a wonderful epitaph for our daughter Hayley if the law could be reviewed or at least changed.

"This would pave the way for people to have a fitting memorial for their loved ones."

Unchecked designs

Supporters of such images have argued that the practice is commonplace in many parts of continental Europe, and that such images help the grieving process.

In English municipal cemetaries, depictions of the dead are often allowed.

But traditionalists say they have concerns about the future character of the churchyards if designs are allowed to go unchecked.

Commenting on the ruling, Church of England vicar, the Rev Robin Hazlehurst, said: "If people are helped to realise that wherever they wish to install something there may be guidelines, then it will help people to discover what is possible in the particular area they're interested in."