A WIDOW has hit out at companies which bombard dead people with junk mail.

Donna Green, whose husband Alan died of cancer in 2004, says the letters cause great heartache to families who have lost loved ones.

And the mother-of-six, of Aldgate, now wants this growing problem to be tackled.

A study has revealed 76,648 items of junk mail are sent to the deceased of Ellesmere Port and Neston every year, with Cheshire receiving the third highest amount in the country.

In total, the borough has received a staggering 8m unwanted letters, adverts and leaflets in just the past 12 months.

Mrs Green said: 'We still get at least one letter a week.

'It's very painful, especially for the children.

'The letters are a constant reminder and it's very hurtful.

'I've rung these companies up to explain the situation but the letters keep coming.

'Something should definitely be done to stop this and I think it's good the Pioneer is highlighting the problem.'

The research was carried out by the Bereavement Register to remove the names and addresses of people who have died from company mailing lists, telemarketing files and databases.

Mark Roy, founder of the Bereavement Register, said: 'The death of a loved one is one of the most distressing events we ever have to deal with.

'Grieving is a deeply personal process that is necessary in order to eventually let go and say goodbye.

'During this extremely emotional time, the last thing we want are inappropriate interruptions and reminders of our anguish. However, this is exactly what happens to thousands of grieving individuals every year through the insensitivity of UK companies that continue to bombard the deceased with direct mail.'

The Metropolitan Police believes junk mail addressed to dead people is one of the primary causes of identity fraud.

* A bereaved friend or relative can register a loved one's details on the Bereavement Register for free either on-line at www.the-bereavement-register. org.uk or by phoning 0870 600 7222.