At a time of the ultimate grief - the loss of your child in distressing circumstances - one of the last things a person needs is a jobsworth bureaucrat.

Yet that is exactly what happened to Francine Provis after her son Christopher was found hanging.

He was one of several young people living in Bridgend, south Wales, who took their own lives. And although he was not living with his mum at the time of his death, the shock for Francine was no less appalling.

It was at this time of need that she appealed to the state to help her with the funeral costs. Francine is out of work and the £2,400 cost of the funeral was beyond her means.

But red tape meant that she was told other members of her family who the authorities felt had had a closer relationship with Christopher at the time of his death should have borne the responsibility.

In fact, it appears Francine was his closest relative - he was estranged from his father and had severed contact with his half-sister.

This is one of those cases where rules are being applied by a civil servant without sensible consideration for the circumstances.

MP Roger Berry is now involved and it can only be hoped that an appeal is successful.

If not, Francine faces a worrying future - as if she doesn't already have enough on her mind.

THE phrase young at heart could have been invented for Brian and Mary.

The pair - both in their 70s - met through a scheme in which they did voluntary work in the community.

Now they are engaged with the wedding planned for next year.

There are many people of this generation who, for whatever reason, find themselves alone and wondering if they will ever find another partner.

It may not be for all, but Brian and Mary are the proof that it can happen.