A HEARSE driver was told by a policeman to move from outside a Bewdley church - as family members carried the coffin towards the vehicle.

The driver was told he would be booked if the hearse was again parked in Kidderminster Road, outside All Saints Church in Wribbenhall, Bewdley funeral director, Janet Ince, said.

Mrs Ince, of funeral directors B Ince, in Severnside South, said: "They say 'we will put three points on your licence if you don't move' and they said if we park there again they will get booked."

The officer only "relented" because the coffin was being carried towards the hearse by family pallbearers, she said.

Mrs Ince said drivers have had an "ongoing problem" with the police over the arrangements for funerals at the church since the autumn.

She said: "When the drivers say they are going to get three points they are not so keen on driving."

The problems have arisen because if a hearse stops outside the church it crosses onto zig-zag lines on a zebra crossing.

This, though, is next to a drop kerb which, Mrs Ince, said "tells you you can offload".

A police spokeswoman said the driver was not threatened with a ticket and was given advice about where to park.

A meeting would take place with Mrs Ince to resolve the matter, she said.