RE Ann Russell's letter about sheep in Well churchyard, near Bedale (DST, June 12). I can only assume that your correspondent did not visit the churchyard last June, as it was horrendous and no one who had seen it could possibly say any different.

This year at the end of May, it was nearly as bad, although the sheep had only been allowed in for less than three weeks. There were still broken vases and bent tops, and the gravestone pots had been thrown about all over, and, of course, the flowers that had been left on the graves had been eaten or discarded.

Last year, it was not possible to step anywhere on the paths without treading in sheep droppings.

Surely no one can say that this is how a churchyard should be. I enjoy walking around it two or three times a week and I have seen the sheep bumping and damaging headstones.

As to it being a tradition, my husband was born and lived in Well all of his 84 years and he said it was never a tradition. I have lived in Well 58 years and the first time I remember sheep going in was when the Reverend David Eyles was vicar, in the 1990s, and he put six of his own sheep in. In those days, the newest graves were fenced off with an access gate, which was fine, but this protection no longer exists.

A lot of local families complain bitterly about the sheep and it must be very upsetting for people from away when they visit visiting the resting places of their loved ones. The saddest example in May was a beautiful wreath of red carnations in the shape of a cross, with an inscription from grandchildren and children, which had to be left on a seat outside the gate.

My husband died and was buried on April 25 and still notices went up that the sheep were going into the churchyard in May. On complaining, we were told that we would be "allowed" to put a temporary fence around our own graves, but this looked like a cage and was more upsetting to the family.

I only know local churches – West Tanfield, North Stainley and Masham – which are beautifully kept, and I have not heard of “sheep in churchyards up and down the country", as Ann says. I will do all I can to prevent this happening again by getting the grass cut by some other method. I won’t expect any help from the parish or parochial church council.

Jean Kitching, Well, Bedale.