A FUNERAL directors hopes to lift the shroud of mystery which surrounds the profession at an open day planned this weekend.

Blenkirons has been established in Richmond, North Yorkshire, for almost 40 years, moving to premises on the town's Victoria Road seven years ago.

However, the business has outgrown the building and a new funeral parlour opens at the junction of Queens Road and Quaker Lane tomorrow.

The Mayor of Richmond, Councillor Tom Burrows, and the chairman of the district council, Councillor Jane Metcalfe, will be among the guests at an interdenominational service of blessing.

However, anyone else who would like to view the new building, or who may be curious about the procedures and skills required by an undertaker, is also welcome to attend.

"It may seem an unusual invitation, but it is not that rare for crematoria to organise similar events.

"Besides, we won't be obliging anyone to see anything they don't wish to - although, if they would like to view the work area, then we will be willing to show them," said John Blenkiron, who founded the firm in 1967.

Today, Blenkirons is the parent company of two more funeral directors in Barnard Castle and West Auckland.

The family also runs a joinery business on Richmond's Gallowfields Trading Estate