A gravedigger has been sacked after he is alleged to have shown pornographic material to a female undertaker while collecting a body for burial.

The Jewish man, who worked at the United Synagogue's Bushey Cemetery, is believed to have shown the porn to the woman at a mortuary in London.

The obscene material is thought to have been stored on the gravedigger's mobile phone. It is not known whether it was a film clip or a photograph.

It is understood that the man, who has not been named, is appealing against his dismissal.

United Synagogue officials were said to be furious when they heard about the incident, which is thought to have taken place in recent weeks.

Cemetery man appealing after sacking

A US spokesman could neither confirm nor deny the sacking.

He said: "The United Synagogue is legally required to maintain strict confidentiality in respect of specific employment matters and so we are not able to comment on particular cases.

"We can, of course, confirm that we expect the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct from all our employees, and have robust policies in place deal with any issues that arise."