A WEST Dorset funeral directors is offering a mew service to rural customers after unveiling a ‘Landy Hearse’.

AJ Wakely and Sons, based in Bridport, has announced the latest addition to its fleet of vehicles A black long wheel base version of the Land Rover Defender, the most traditional shape of all Land Rovers, has been chosen by the company to provide ‘a final journey in a vehicle that really means something’ to people from rural backgrounds.

Managing director of AJ Wakely and Sons, Clive Wakely, said: “We are based in a predominantly rural area, one where farming and agriculture plays an important role.

“Land Rovers are a regular site on the road and in the fields in this part of the country and represent more than just a means of getting from A to B.

“We therefore understand that many people have an emotional connection with the Land Rover. Now they will be able to make their final journey in a vehicle that really means something to them.”

The company purchased the Land Rover in its original form, but modifications were needed in order for a coffin to be appropriately loaded, securely located and then removed by the pallbearers on arrival at the church, cemetery or crematorium.

Land Rover specialists Rudkin Vehicle Services in Crewkerne were commissioned to carry out the conversion work for the special application.

Using the inward-facing rear seat area, Rudkins installed a checker-plate platform fitted with a series of rollers, support posts and locking mechanism, similar to those found in more traditional hearses. The finishing touches to the conversion were then added, including ambient interior lighting, a compartment to store belongings and personal effects, plus an appropriate spare-wheel cover on the back of the vehicle.

Established in 1897, A.J.Wakely and Sons is a family-run business that has for four generations, provided a personal, sensitive and caring independent funeral service. The company has branches in Beaminster, Bridport, Chard, Crewkerne, Ilminster, Lyme Regis, Sherborne, Wincanton and Yeovil.

For further information about hiring the Land Rover hearse and the services AJ Wakley and Sons provide, please call 01935 479913, or visit ajwakely.com