NORTON Town Council is to investigate ways of improving security at the town's cemetery after the grave of a young boy was targeted by vandals.

The family of Ben Bingham, who died aged 10 at his home in Norton four years ago, had contacted the council after his grave was vandalised with flowers and other items thrown nearby.

Ben's mum, Mandy Jackson, who was seriously ill, had called for more to be done to protect the cemetery and spoke of her distress at the vandalism before she died following a short battle with cancer last month aged 44.

Mandy’s husband, Simon, said he would continue to campaign for improvements to security at the cemetery.

"This has been an extremely distressing time for Mandy's family and friends," he said.

"I promised Mandy that I would do all I could to safeguard Ben's grave and I will continue to campaign to make sure this does not happen again to us or anyone else.”

Keeley Branch, from Norton, a close friend of the family, said: "We have even considered fundraising to buy our own CCTV cameras. As a mother I have found this very upsetting and now with the loss of Mandy it is even more important that something is done for everyone's peace of mind."

Mayor of Norton Councillor Ray King said CCTV was in operation at the town's allotment, but this was operated by the police.

"There are a number of issues we have to consider, it is not just a case of putting up cameras," he said.

Councillor Bryan Barratt said he felt there were other measures that could be taken in the meantime to act as a deterrent.

"I am sure there are things we can do to help deter these people," he said.

Councillor David Lloyd-Williams said: "Yes, I agree it is important that we get the message over that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated."

Anyone who has further information about the vandalism should phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, and ask for Malton police.