A grieving widow collapsed and died as she buried her husband next to his brother.

Despina Lakka stumbled forward and clutched the arm of the priest conducting the burial at Eastbourne cemetery.

Shocked mourners rushed to her side as she collapsed after suffering a suspected heart attack at the graveside.

Family members desperately tried to revive her as paramedics were called to the cemetery in Hide Hollow, Langney.

Sussex Ambulance Service staff gave instructions over a mobile phone as mourners continued attempts to resuscitate Mrs Lakka, who was in her 60s.

An ambulance took her from the cemetery to Eastbourne District General Hospital but attempts to revive her failed.

She flew from Cyprus last week with the body of her husband, Orthopoxos Lakka, 64, so he could be buried next to his brother Andreas.

The couple had lived for many years in Woolwich, east London, before moving back to Cyprus several years ago.

The funeral was held at the Greek Orthodox church of St Panteleimon and St Theodore in Cavendish Place, Eastbourne, on Thursday afternoon.

Between 30 and 50 family and friends attended the service led by Father Ierotheos Georghiou, from Eastbourne, and Father Puzinas from Welling, Kent.

Mourners made their way to the cemetery and prayers were being said as Mr Lakka's burial began at about 2.30pm.

Mrs Lakka suddenly complained she felt dizzy and grabbed Father Georghiou's arm to steady herself before she collapsed.

He said: "She had a carrier bag with things needed for the funeral service by her feet. The other priest asked for oil and she bent down and reached into the bag to get it out.

"It was then that she said she felt dizzy and grabbed my sleeve to try to steady herself. I held her arm but her legs buckled and she went down to the ground straight away.

"Other people tried to resuscitate her while the paramedics were on the way but I understand that she was already dead and there was nothing they could do for her."

Mrs Lakka's sister-in-law is still believed to live in the Eastbourne area but is in poor health and was being comforted by relatives last night.

Father Georghiou added: "It is very sad. We were all shocked at what happened and our thoughts are with her family.

"None of us knows God's plan but he works everything out in his wisdom and we always know that what he does is for the best.

"Perhaps now Mrs Lakka is happy that she can be with her husband again."

The funeral arrangements were made by Adela Funeral Homes in South Street, Eastbourne.

A spokesman said: "Funerals are obviously very distressing and stressful to begin with but it is not common for something like this to happen.

"This is the first time I have experienced this sort of situation. Obviously, our thoughts and condolences are with the family."

A Sussex Ambulance spokeswoman confirmed that paramedics were sent to the cemetery and that mourners were given advice over the phone.

A spokesman for the East Sussex coroners' office said a post-mortem examination would take place but he could not comment on the circumstances of Mrs Lakka's death.