Children in a North Yorkshire town are dicing with death in its cemetery, it has been claimed.

Youngsters are climbing on and attempting to kick over headstones and stone monuments, Norton town councillors say.

News of their antics comes just days after an inquest recorded an accidental death verdict on a six-year-old who was crushed beneath a falling gravestone.

The family of Reuben Cameron Powell is considering legal action against Harrogate Borough Council over his death.

Norton councillors are considering the installation of CCTV cameras to watch over the graveyard.

Coun Allin Jenkins said children who played on the gravestones were "dicing with death".

"If a gravestone or a monument falls on a child they could be killed or seriously injured," he added.

"We as a council could be liable for damages if something like this happens - if it is found the monument was not properly in place.

"We have to ensure they are safe and that we point out that a cemetery is a dangerous place."

Coun Howard Griffiths said he was disgusted with the "mindless vandalism".

Coun David Lloyd-Williams suggested a CCTV system be installed.

"There may be an initial cost but it would save money in the long run," he said.

Updated: 11:18 Tuesday, April 24, 2001