Vicar quits over full graves row

A vicar was threatened and abused after a row over churchyard burials.

Supporters of the Reverend Richard Salenius say he needs counselling after being "vilified" and "hounded out" of his seaside parish.

Mr Salenius, 48, has now resigned after becoming embroiled in a bitter three-year feud with some parishioners when he closed the All Saints churchyard in Brightlingsea, Essex, saying it was full.

Church of England spokesman the Rev Philip Banks said: "Richard had been vilified and treated appallingly. There are some people who just could not accept the decision that the churchyard was full."

The vicar's decision in February last year means locals have to be buried at the nearest ceremony seven miles away.