A pensioner's dying wish to be buried next to his beloved wife has sparked a desperate race against time.

In the weeks leading to his death Frank Jenkins asked friends to ensure he was buried in a double plot next to his wife Christine.

But in a worrying twist it has been discovered that another person - a Mr Owen Glyn Dwr Reilly - has his name on the space.

Mr Jenkins' friends believe Mr Reilly could have accidently signed Exclusive Rights of Burial while helping to organise Christine's funeral.

Now neighbour Edgar Symes is desperately trying to trace Mr Reilly to sort out the legal lopphole before it is too late.

Mr Jenkins, of De Montfort Road, Brighton, died on October 30, aged 89 while Christine died on January 4, 1974 and is buried in Woodingdean Cemetery.

If Mr Reilly is not found Mr Jenkins may have to be buried elsewhere.

Mr Symes said: "By the end of his life he had very few living friends and relatives.

"In the months before he died he talked a lot about Christine.

"She died suddenly and unexpectedly at home in their bed after an illness and it was actually Frank who found her.

"He never got over her. They were very much in love.

"The had no children and without her he was alone.

"He never said he wanted to die but he did say he looked forward to seeing her again.

"He asked me over and over again to makesure he was buried next to her and told me he had left £1000 to ensure it happened."

But when Mr Symes tried to put this into action it was revealed that the Exclusive Rights of Burial had gone to someone else.

According to records at Woodvale Crematorium, when Mrs Jenkins grave was dug in 1974 it was dug to accomodate two people but the second person is not Mr Jenkins.

The Exclusive Rights of Burial - bought by Mr Reilly - mean the grave may not be opened and no one may be buried there without the ownerÌs permission.

If the owner of the Exclusive Rights dies, it is assumed that they gave permission to have themselves interred in their grave but no one else.

In accordance with the Local Authorities Cemeteries Order, all grave rights are sold for a fixed period.

Presently Brighton and Hove City Council grant Exclusive Rights of Burial for a period of 50 years.

At the end of this period the rights to the grave will revert to the council but not before.

Allan Virgo of Brighton and Hove Cemetary Office said: "Usually the husband will hold the Rights of Burial for his wife but for some reason this has not happened.

"We have no idea who Mr Reilly is or what his relationship with Mrs Jenkins was but at the moment only he has the right to be buried there.

"If he dies he will automatically go in the grave next to Mrs Jenkins unless he has requested otherwise.

"Its a strict legal document and our hands are tied."

Mr Jenkins has remained unburied for over two weeks.

The Argus is asking for anyone who might know Owen Glyn Dwr Reilly to get in contact.

His last known address in Brighton is 17 Sutherland Road but its thought he and his wife Rose moved out in 1977.

Mr Symes daid: "Were assuming it may be someone Frank used to work with on the railways or perhaps someone he met in the army.

"Frank might have been too distressed to organise Christines funeral so someone stepped in to help out but didn't realise what buying the Rites of Burial meant.

"Frank will have to be buried soon. I want him to be with his wife and dont want a detail of the law to stop this happening.

"I really hope Owen or someone who knows him comes forward in time to grant this last wish."

Do you know Mr Reilly? Call the newsdesk on 01273 544519 or email us at news@theargus.co.uk. You can also contact Mr Symes on 07729036735 or leave a message below.