PUBGOERS in Huddersfield are urged to raise the topic of funerals, as well as a glass, when they go out to down a few pints.

The Co-operative Funeralcare company wants people to shed their fear of the morbid topic and talk to one another about their thoughts for their own final farewell and those of their loved ones.

And to spark conversation, the Co-op is distributing Last Orders beermats in some town centre pubs.

Brian Taylor, Co-operative Funeralcare regional manager, said: "Over the years, as a nation we have become much more open and willing to express ourselves.

"But there is one subject that is still very much avoided - and that is death.

"Our campaign aims to shed light on the choices that are available when arranging a funeral."

The campaign has been launched in response to a Co-op survey which found that half of mourners interviewed experienced `secret disappointment' at ceremonies that did not reflect the life of the dead person.

Staff at Co-operative Funeralcare are asking for suggestions from the public about how to cele- brate the life of their loved ones in the most appropriate fashion.

And the most inspiring accounts could feature in a book, be it black horses trotting past the Tetley Brewery in Leeds or Harley Davidson motorbikes lining The Headrow in the city.

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