A WEST Dorset funeral directors is marking 40 years of business in Lyme Regis with a brand new fleet of vehicles.

A.J. Wakely and Sons, now in its fifth generation, has been serving the bereaved since 1897 - when it opened its first office in Beaminster.

The company opened its third office in 1987, when Wakely and Sons branched out to Lyme Regis. The office is currently managed by director Simon Wakely, his sister and office manager Leah Steele and funeral director Eric Tweddle.

Not only is the firm celebrating 40 years in Lyme Regis, but Wakely and Sons has invested in a brand new fleet of Jaguar hearses and limousines to offer more to customers.

Last month, the company added a converted Land Rover Defender hearse to its fleet - offering a rural send-off for the people of west Dorset.

A black long wheel base version of the Land Rover Defender, the most traditional shape of all Land Rovers, was chosen by the company to provide ‘a final journey in a vehicle that really means something’ to people from rural backgrounds.

Simon Wakely, director of the firm's Lyme Regis office, is proud the company has remained in the coastal town for 40 years.

He said: “Previous generations would be so proud to see how far the business has come today.

"We are continuing to invest for the future to make sure we offer the best service possible to our clients and the bereaved.

“As one of the earlier offices to open, it is a fantastic achievement to celebrate 40 years of trading in Lyme Regis. We love the mix of independent and unique businesses in the town as well as the synergy between tourists and locals.”

Although a lot of tradition still continues, the funeral industry has experienced a host of changes over the last 40 years. A.J. Wakely and Sons works happily with local churches and community groups which are looking to provide a more inclusive and broad spectrum to the service provided by the company.

For more information, please call 01297 443835 or visit ajwakely.com