THERE was additional sadness in some of the flooded homes for those suffering bereavement. It was impossible for hearses to travel through the flood waters and all burials in Sheppey were cancelled.

However, some cremations could go ahead. With the full co-operation of families, coffins were placed on open-back trucks and taken as far as Sittingbourne where they were transferred to hearses.

The final journeys to Charing Crematorium were conducted with dignity.