Relatives protesting against a council's decision to flatten gravestones have called on people to join their fight.

The Seaford-based action group wants everyone affected by the laying of stones in Lewes and Seaford cemeteries to complain to the local government ombudsman, which acts as a watchdog over local councils.

Group member Linda Wilson, of Hythe Crescent, Seaford, said: "We want to take action because there was a group in Newcastle who did the same thing and the ombudsman ordered the council to pay for 50 per cent of the work to re-instate the graves.

"We need to locate and get permission from everyone affected to write in."

Mrs Wilson was among relatives who found 300 memorials toppled in Seaford and Lewes cemeteries.

Her 20-year-old daughter Maria was killed in a car accident in 1997 and is buried on the Seaford site.

The graves were laid flat by Lewes District Council workers after they failed a safety test.

Relatives said the council made no effort to contact them to warn them of the work.

Chief executive John Crawford said every effort had been made to find the next of kin and a sign had been posted at both cemeteries.

Mrs Wilson can be contacted on 01323 893224.