A COUNCIL has taken action after graveside memorials were damaged by cemetery grass cutters.

Teesdale District Council's community services committee heard there were complaints that flowers planted by graves were being cut along with the grass.

On another occasion, a teddy bear which had been placed next to a baby's grave was found several yards away, said Councillor Jo Fergus, from Gainford.

Chris Tomlinson, of the council, said he had written to contractors, and expected standards to improve.