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Increase in number of wacky funeral wishes

THERE is a "growing number" of requests for unusual funeral ceremonies, experts have said.

From Wild West themes to a convoy of cranes leading the cortege, the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) said people are increasingly making bizarre final arrangements.

Other uncommon requests include a Morris dancing-themed funeral, a farmer being asked to be buried at the highest point on his land and a company director being buried at the end of his garden next to his beloved golf course. And instead of being buried with sentimental jewellery, people are increasingly opting to be laid to rest with unusual items including tea bags, yoghurt pots, conkers, cigarette packets and bottles of champagne.

The NAFD said unusual requests are becoming increasingly common as more people are willing to talk about their funerals.

The organisation has teamed up with the Dying Matters coalition to develop a new guide, My Funeral Wishes, to encourage people to write down how they want their funeral or cremation to be carried out.