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Only Fools and Horses fans rally to repair grave

Lucy ThorneSouth of England
News imageBBC A bearded man with a blue cloth cap, grey fingerless gloves and a brown coat stands in front of a ship. He is holding his hand to his chin and looking pensive BBC
Buster Merryfield appeared as Uncle Albert for more than a decade until the BBC show ended in 1996

An Only Fools and Horses fan has vowed to help restore the gravestone of the actor who played one of the TV show's popular characters.

Buster Merryfield, who played Uncle Albert, died in 1999 and was buried near his home in Verwood, Dorset, but in recent years his headstone has fallen into disrepair and is now wrapped in red and white tape.

A photo of Merryfield is cracked and there are some chips on the headstone which is also not secure in its base.

After spotting photos of the damage online, lifelong fan Dave Walton, from Norfolk, decided to see if he could help get it restored and repaired.

News imageVerwood Town Council A black grave stone dedicated to husband and wife Buster and Iris Merryfield. A small model of a yellow robin reliant and figure of Uncle Albert sit on the base of the headstoneVerwood Town Council
The council said it was not clear if the damage was deliberate or due to wear and tear

The 46-year-old, who visited the grave some years ago while on holiday, said: "It would be nice to have it restored back to its former glory.

"He was a much-loved actor with quite a story. He didn't get into acting until much later in life.

"Uncle Albert was such a great character, and people that did meet him have all said what a lovely person he was."

The classic British sitcom followed the misadventures of Peckham market traders Del Boy and Rodney as they tried - and usually failed - to make their fortune.

News imageOnly Fools and Horses characters Rodeny, Del Boy and Uncle Albert
Nicholas Lyndhurst (left) played Rodney alongside David Jason as Del Boy

Walton contacted Verwood Town Council, which looks after the cemetery, and discovered the grave has no owner so there is no-one to fund the repairs.

His post about starting a fundraiser on the Only Fans and Horses Appreciation Society Facebook page has seen hundreds of fans offer to donate to help cover the costs.

Verwood Town Council's clerk Carrie Lloyd said it was not clear whether the damage was caused deliberately or is down to wear and tear.

"We have put up red and white tape to make people aware it could topple. It is not a massive issue but is something we need to address," she said.

"We are aware people come to see it and want to make it safe as it's not 100% secure."

News imageDave Walton Selfie of a man against a white wallDave Walton
Fan Dave Walton is waiting to find out the cost of repairs before starting a fundraiser

Walton said he will launch a fundraiser once the full cost of the repairs are known. The council is currently gathering quotes.

Merryfield died aged 78 in Poole Hospital from a brain tumour. He is buried in Verwood Cemetery with his wife Iris, who died in 2002.

A former bank manager, he was in his 60s when he landed the role in the hit BBC series.

He appeared as Uncle Albert for more than a decade until the show ended in 1996.

News imagePA Media Mourners dressed in black carry a light wood coffin adorned with floral tributes on topPA Media
Merryfield's funeral was held in Verwood in June 1999