GRIEVING Edward Ritchie is demanding an apology from a council after his brother's grave was flooded by more than a foot of water.

The body of Sam Ritchie, who died of cancer on April 2, was buried in Witton Park Cemetery next to his father last Saturday.

However, relatives returned two hours after the burial to find that the grave was filled with water.

Mr Ritchie's brother Edward, 60, said: "The water was 18 inches deep. I had my wellies on and put my foot into it and the water went over the top. It was in a terrible state."

He took pictures of the grave and immediately called Wear Valley District Council which owns the cemetery, to complain.

Although the grave has now been finished properly Mr Ritchie and his wife Connie are demanding a full written apology from the council.

Mrs Ritchie said: "We were very close to Sam and he was well-known and well liked in Witton Park and throughout County Durham.

"It is bad enough losing a brother, but to have to go through this as well. You would not bury a dog in a grave like that."

Leader of the council Olive Brown said she would write to Mr and Mrs Ritchie to apologise.

She said: "We are very sorry it has happened. It is an emotive issue and I feel sorry for the family concerned."