The American giant had warned a stonemason that he would be in breach of copyright if he included an image of A A Milne's "bear of very little brain" on the stone.

The baby's parents, from Clacton, Essex, had sought Disney's approval and were amazed when their request was rejected.

The Colchester-based stonemason, Aaron Clarke, said: "Disney make billions of pounds every year from children but they won't let a family put a picture on a stillborn baby's headstone. It is ridiculous. The family are upset enough as it is."

However, after being questioned about the ban by reporters, a Disney spokesman said: "Our deepest sympathies go out to the family at this time.

"We have been in contact with them and are in the process of fulfilling their original request."