A COUNTY funeral director has unveiled an unusual addition to its fleet of vehicles - a Land Rover.

A J Wakely & Sons has invested in a black, long-wheel-base version of the Defender – the most traditional shape of all Land Rovers.

And managing director, Clive Wakely, said the vehicle was the form of funereal transport to many of the communities the company serves.

“We are based in a predominantly rural area,” he said.

“One where farming and agriculture plays an important role.

“Land Rovers are a regular site on the roads – 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 and now, they will be able to make their final journey in a vehicle that really means something to them.”

Having purchased the Land Rover in its standard form, modifications were made.

They were required 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 this special application.

Utilising the inward-facing rear seat area, Rudkins installed a checker-plate platform fitted with a series of rollers, support posts and locking mechanism, of the type found in more traditional hearses.

The finishing touches to the conversion were then added.

These included ambient interior lighting, a compartment to store belongings and personal effects, plus an appropriate spare-wheel cover on the back of the vehicle.

When the Landy hearse is not being used for funeral duties, the coffin platform assembly can be removed as a complete unit.

The vehicle is then able to perform its more traditional functions of carrying passengers.

When the need arises, it can also be driven off road in order to reach areas that are otherwise difficult to access.

Established in 1897, AJ Wakely & Sons is a family-run business that has remained in the family for four generations.

The company has branches in Beaminster, Bridport, Chard, Crewkerne, Ilminster, Lyme Regis, Sherborne, Wincanton and Yeovil. For details visit ajwakely.com.