PLANNING for your own funeral might seem rather morbid, especially if you're fit, healthy and feeling on top of the world.

Many of us haven't even considered what we would like to happen when we die.

But the number of people in Worcester who are looking to the future is on the increase, and people are being encouraged to consider their funeral.

Darryl Mogg, community manager at AV Band funeral directors in St Nicholas Street, Worcester, said: "A lot more people are planning ahead now, and the age of those planning has come right down from the 70s and 80s to people in their 50s and sometimes even younger."

A national campaign has been launched to try and encourage more people to think about the inevitable.

People are being asked by the Co-operative Funeralcare to share their thoughts on final farewells by revealing their own plans or recounting their loved ones' funerals for a special book.

Real Funerals aims to tackle the "secret disappointment" 50 per cent of mourners said they felt about ceremonies that didn't reflect the individual's life.

There are two main reasons people tend to plan for their own funerals - financial and to save on family arguments.

The average funeral now costs anything from £1,700 and some people pay a lot more.

Mr Mogg said: "Funerals are not cheap and many people want to make sure their family is not left with the bill when they die.

"Also, a lot of families are not as close as they once were and there ends up being arguments over what the relative wanted. The best way is to plan for the future."

More funerals are becoming very unique occasions, reflecting the personality of the person who has died.

Martin Grinnell, manager of P Tomlins funeral directors in Bromyard Terrace, St John's, Worcester, said: "I had an unusual one a few weeks ago where we used a motorbike and converted side car as the hearse. It was very different.

"A lot of people are also going for non-religious ceremonies nowadays as well, and more relatives are wanting to speak about the person that has died rather than having a vicar."

A lot of people are also swapping the traditional hymns for more modern music, with some opting for heavy metal or classical, while the most common tunes played tend to be love songs, such as Celine Dion hits.

Mr Grinnell said: "Next week I have a funeral where Roy Orbison's music will be playing.

"Everyone is different and want different things.

"I definitely recommend people plan ahead to relieve the burden on their families, but also to have the send off they would want.

"I guess it's still a bit of a taboo, and no one really wants to talk about dying, but it's something we must all consider at some stage."

It's not just the music or the hearse to consider. There is a range of coffins available - from biodegradable cardboard to solid oak.

Mr Mogg said: "The most popular is the MDF real wood veneered coffin, especially for those that wish to be cremated.

"A lot of people who want to be buried often go for the solid wood."

Then there's the flowers. Most funeral directors will help draw up a plan, which will indicate exactly what the person wants.

Co-operative Funeralcare is distributing special "Last Orders" beer mats in pubs to put the subject on to Worcester's pub talk agenda.

Co-operative Funeralcare regional manager Paul Rowden said: "Over the years, as a nation, we have become so much more open and willing to express ourselves. However, there's one subject that's still very much avoided and that's death. Our campaign aims to shed light on the choices that are available when arranging a funeral and emphasises the care and support our staff provide."

Contributions to the Real Funerals book can be made by visiting www.funeralcare.co-op.co.uk or calling freephone 0800 083 6302.