A FATHER has decided to follow in his son's footsteps by joining his funeral business.

Mel Whitehouse has given up being part of the legal profession to join his son, John, in the family firm, Whitehouse Funeral Service, in West Auckland Road, Cockerton, Darlington.

For the past 35 years Mel Whitehouse has worked for solicitors Latimer Hinks, latterly in domestic conveyancing, but the 57-year-old has now left to oversee the office administration of the expanding funeral business.

"I had wanted to be self-employed since I was young but never got round to doing it," he said. "When John launched his funeral business it provided a heaven-sent opportunity.

"I am finding it very rewarding. Being involved in the legal process means I am used to dealing with people when they have lost someone."

His son added: "I always wanted Dad to join me in the family business and it's been great for the company as it has added a new dimension."

The firm offers the public a more contemporary approach to the traditional funeral service.

It offers clients whatever they want, from a traditional Victorian funeral, shrouded in black and complete with horse drawn hearse, to services which are more of a celebration.

"It's probably because we are a bit younger ourselves that we favour a more modern approach," said John Whitehouse. "The industry has changed massively since Diana (Princess of Wales) died. The traditional black is very much a legacy of the Victorians, whereas a lot of our clients prefer the funeral to be a celebration of the deceased's life."

Increasingly the firm is being asked for humanist services away from church. The coffin can be any colour or shape and sport graphics of their choice. There have been caskets shaped like aeroplanes, another with a Stratocaster guitar painted on the top, and some made from willow and bamboo for woodland burials. Customers can even order a motorcycle and sidecar hearse or ask for a burial at sea