Delightful graveyard sheep saved after torrent of public support

Graveyard sheep who were threatened with being sold off after frightening a visitor have been saved following a "torrent" of public support.

The black ewes were brought to Mount Road Cemetery, St Asaph, Denbighshire, two years ago to nibble the grass and weeds across the sprawling grounds.

The animals were raised as pets so have no fear of people or dogs.

But when one visitor fell over after becoming alarmed by them, she took to social media to express her concerns.

Church member Duncan Cameron apologised to her and said they planned to get rid of the sheep over the coming months.

But "there was a torrent of support for the sheep in response", he said.

Cameron helps to look after the cemetery.

He said "they can be a bit in your face" and, at only two years old, can behave like "teenagers".

He said they naturally seek "feed and attention".

Supporters said the animals were loved, with children coming to play with them and even elderly people with dementia coming and being soothed by them.

"Don't sell them. My son loves them," said one post on a local Facebook group.

"Leave the sheep alone," said another.

"I walk through the cemetery twice a day and they are no bother at all... they are all a delight."

After a "vote of confidence from the people" Cameron said they have decided the sheep can stay.

"They do such a good job of keeping grass at bay," he said, adding that with 700 graves at the cemetery, not having the sheep at the site made it "unmanageable".

"Instead of us smashing our mowers against the grave stones the sheep nibble around them so neatly, " he added.

Cameron has also posted a notice at the cemetery entrances telling people to clap their hands and shout in the case of unwanted attention.

"If you do that they'll just head on," he said.