A HORSE-drawn hearse stood outside a new funeral home as the premises were dedicated.

Gordon Blake funeral directors, which was established in 1982, has moved across to High Street in Cinderford.

The new home was officially opened by the Mayor of Cinderford, Cllr Max Coborn, and dedicated by the Vicar of Cinderford Rev Mike Barnsley and Father Barnabas Page the Roman Catholic priest for the Forest.

Cllr Coborn said: "It is good to see investment in Cinderford."

The funeral home's manager, Michael Kennerley, said the new premises meant that the firm had a chapel of rest in Cinderford for the first time.

He added: "It means if you pass away in Cinderford it means you stay in Cinderford and your family can come and see you in Cinderford."

Mr Kennerley said most funerals were "traditional" but other options include a horse-drawn hearse – such as the one provided by Rushmere Carriages of Coleford for the opening – or even a bus, Volkswagen Camper van or motorbike.

He added: "We did a funeral with a bus in Lydney."