A FAMILY today spoke of their Father's Day horror after memorial lights were stolen from a gravestone.

Douglas Power, 31, of East Park Avenue, Blackburn, was furious to discover the theft from his father's grave in Blackburn's Pleasington Cemetery.

His family had clubbed together to buy the solar lights as a special gesture for his dad, Matthew.

It is not the first time the grandfather-of-ten's grave has been targeted. Special gifts from his grandchildren, aged between 15 and two, including hand-made pictures, have also been taken in the past.

Today the distressed family called on Blackburn with Darwen Council to do more to stop the "appalling trauma".

Matthew, who was a long distance driver, died of lung cancer in November 2000, aged 58.

Douglas said: "We had chosen to put four special solar powered lights on the grave - one on each corner.

"Ornaments and flowers were also taken.

"It has been an on-going problem for six months and is on the increase. We are all devastated."

The family previously used candles to set a calming scene at the cemetery but thought the solar lights would be easier.

Widow Georgina, 58, of Ennerdale Avenue, has been left distraught by the thefts.

"The lights were such a comfort," she said. "There has been stuff taken before but this really upset me on Father's Day.

"Life has been terrible since his death. He is very sadly missed.

"I think it is terrible and I don't know how they can take off a grave.

"It makes you think they have no soul."

The thefts have been reported to police and Inspector Steve Howarth said today: "It is very shocking for the family and we are looking into the incident."

Coun Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Council, responsible for running cemeteries, said the location of the cemetery in Pleasington made it difficult to police.

Police pledged to step up patrols in Hyndburn cemeteries earlier this month after a spate of attacks by vandals.

Coun Kay said: "I am very sorry to hear about this.

"There is nothing more appalling than the theft of items from a grave.

"We are constantly working with the police to see what we can do to improve security at Pleasington Cemetery.

"Unfortunately, because of its location away from the main road, it will always be difficult to police it, and it will be an easy target for criminals.

"I would hope people have more respect than to steal or wreck graves.

"We will be talking to the police again to see if there is a possible solution."