A memorial sculpture dedicated to two shopkeepers has been unveiled in an Oxford churchyard.

Canon Richard Lea, vicar of St Mary's Church in Church Lane, Iffley, dedicated the sculpture on Sunday.

The stone memorial, entitled the Gibbs Memorial, was created by Yorkshire-based Peter Coates in honour of his grandparents Bill and Nina, who once ran the village shop in Tree Lane.

The stone shows a knot to represent the couple's marriage and the plinth features a circular inscription which reads "William and Nina 2002", the year in which Bill died.

The pedestal weighs a quarter of a ton, while the knot was carved from a lump of about the same weight.

Canon Lea said: "It's a touching tribute from a grandson, who is also a talented sculptor."

English Heritage was consulted about the position of the sculpture, together with the Diocesan archaeology adviser, to ensure that no ancient burials were disturbed. Mr Coates, 41, from Rydale, north Yorkshire, said: "Although the churchyard is closed to new memorials, the church was open to an appropriate piece of sculpture which would also serve as a private memorial.

"My grandfather Bill Gibbs died aged 96 in 2002 and was in the police force in Oxford during the war.

"He and Nina moved to Iffley 50 to 60 years ago and ran the village shop opposite the Tree Hotel for many years. Nina died in 1989.

"My grandparents gave up the shop about 30 years ago but they were key figures in the community and used to keep an eye out for people. They were very well liked.

"It's an unusual thing for anybody to make a memorial but to do this for two people I knew all my life meant I felt I had a lot of responsibility when it came to this project.

"There was an element of doubt about the appropriateness of erecting such a sculpture and I did feel the pressure of people's sensibilities but I am glad that it does seem to have been well received."

Bill and Nina's son Mike, 67, who attended the dedication with 20 family members, said: "The whole family is delighted with the memorial."