FRANK Sinatra is still number one, it seems - for funerals!

The legendary crooner is the one we want to depart to, according to undertakers in Huddersfield.

Funerals in Britain are changing, and that includes a change in music choice for services.

Although classical music is still popular, with Nimrod from Enigma Variations by Elgar coming in top of the list and Ave Maria by Schubert coming a close second, modern songs are becoming increasingly more popular.

The choice for funeral hymns is still timeless with The Lord Is My Shepherd and All Things Bright And Beautiful still as popular choices. But many people are now opting for something newer for their final send off.

People want the likes of Celine Dion, with My Heart Will Go On, or Bette Midler, with The Wind Beneath My Wings, to be played at their funeral.

Angela Worrall, regional manager for Co-operative Funeralcare, who carry out hundreds of services in Huddersfield, said: "People do want some unusual songs.

"We have received requests for television soap themes from Coronation Street and EastEnders, Feeling Hot Hot Hot, The Birdy Song, The Laughing Policeman and even one request for the sound of trains shunting in sidings.

"Funeral music provides us with an invaluable insight into the influences at work in UK society.

"Tradition is still very much evident in favourite hymns, while we have a growing number of people who feel that modern themes are entirely appropriate.

"Many now mix the two in funeral ceremonies and it's clear that they are being influenced by the television programmes or films they watch."