A GRIEVING son today told of his horror after vandals set fire to treasured mementoes left at the spot where the ashes of his late parents lie.

David Simonds said his family was heartbroken after two teddy bears left by his young daughters were burned in a Weymouth graveyard.

He said it was the final straw for the family who had suffered a series of thefts and vandalism at the spot where the ashes of his parents Keith and Sheila were scattered.

He said: "I simply cannot understand what makes people want to do something like this. Have they any idea how distressing and heartbreaking it is for those who grieve for loved ones?

"I am still coming to terms with the death of my parents. My dad died the day after I got married just over a year ago and my mum died 10 days later.

"She had cancer and the stress of looking after her finally got to my dad and I think she just gave up after he was gone. They were wonderful parents and we all still miss them very much."

Mr Simonds, 37, of Winchester Close, Weymouth, added: "They were cremated and their remains scattered under at tree in the cemetery at Weymouth. We put a plaque up on the wall there and have always left little mementoes for them. But we have had three vases of flowers stolen, cards taken and now the teddies left by my daughters set on fire."

Mr Simonds, who works at Waitrose in Dorchester, said his daughters Rachel, 10, and Samantha, 13, were devastated after finding out what had happened.

He added: "They still miss their grandparents and leave little things by the plaque. It is our quiet little spot where we can go and remember them and think about them. But that is all being destroyed by mindless yobs who think it is a laugh to do something like this."

Mr Simonds is now calling on the council to improve security at the cemetery. He said: "It is not just us who has suffered. Every time I go there I see flowers that have been taken from graves and scattered around. It is more than just upsetting for a lot of people. It really is breaking their hearts.

"I reported the latest incident to the police and they were sympathetic and are treating it as criminal damage but said there was probably little chance of catching those responsible and I understand that. But maybe it is time to install CCTV. I know it may seem strange but it is obviously a lot of damage that is being carried out there. It simply can't go on the way it is at the moment. The council needs to do something."

But CCTV is not an option said Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's environment spokeswoman Coun Lynne Herbert. "CCTV would not be able to pick up anything because it is very dark," she said. "We can't lock the gates at night because we don't want to stop people visiting their loved ones."

Cathy Webb, bereavement services officer at the crematorium in Quibo Lane, said there had been very little vandalism recently, but that vases are often used by other mourners when dead flowers are removed by staff.

Police have appealed for information to help them catch the vandals. Inspector Tony Rudd asked for anyone with information about the incident to call 01305 226602.