Audley's carving of death

This extraordinary carving at the top of a gravestone could depict a (bearded?) angel reaching down to a skeleton (the one in the grave?). It's very worn - not surprising as the grave is dated 1799 - so it's hard to tell.
The angel appears to be holding something - possibly a sand-timer, or could it be a scales?  To the right of the skeleton's head is a scythe - symbol of both death and time.
Are the two figures fighting? Or is the angel raising the skeleton?

I'd be intrigued to know the story, and will return to the Church of St James at Audley - which opens on Fridays - to find out more from the church-warden.

If you want to take a look, the grave is on the north side of the church, and Thomas & Ann Mellor are buried there.

This post has been featured on Taphophile Tragics (the cemetery-enthusiasts' website)