A BARNOLDSWICK man who "fell in love with the funeral industry" has embarked on a career as a civil funeral celebrant.

After over 30 years in the road haulage industry, in 2004 David Carson started a new job as a hearse and limousine driver for a local funeral carriage masters.

"I immediately fell in love with the funeral industry," said David, 60. "It's full of genuine, professional people who care for the deceased and for the bereaved families.

"Over the years I became more involved in the industry and always admired and respected the people who conducted the actual ceremony, whether it is a priest, vicar, minister, humanist or civil funeral celebrant."

It was this interest that got David looking into training to become a civil celebrant, and early last year he signed up with Huntingdon Regional College which offered a Diploma in Funeral Celebrancy.

The course culminated in a week-long residential in Cambridgeshire, which involved an intense practical training in interviewing, writing, public speaking and planning and delivering funeral ceremonies from start to finish.

David then took two external examinations and was awarded the NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Funeral Celebrancy, the highest possible qualification available in the UK.

"It was 12 months of hard work, but it's certainly been worth it," said David. "I can now conduct civil funeral ceremonies which reflect the beliefs, wishes, values and cultural traditions of the person who has died and also fulfils the needs and wishes of the people closest to that person.

"It's such a rewarding job to do."