HERE'S a business opportunity in a profession that's entirely unaffected by the recession.

Digging graves in windswept churchyards and cemeteries may not seem the most glamorous of occupations, but a Wye Valley man says that he turns over around £30,000 a year.

Peter Telfer, 33, from Llanishen, Monmouth­shire, says he is selling his thriving one-man business to explore other options including that of becoming an undertaker.

As a pupil at Chepstow Comprehensive School Peter worked with his gravedigger uncle Gwyn for pocket money and continued with him when he left school. He took the business over when Gwyn retired, in 2004.

Peter explained that he wanted to sell his business after deciding that it was "now or never to explore other avenues".

He added: "You get to travel throughout the beautiful Welsh countryside to churchyards that are often tucked out of the way.

"It's a great feeling to be outside in the sunshine when we get it. It's the ideal job for the outdoor person. You can't fault it." 

The business could be yours for a mere £13,000 and involves arriving before a funeral to dig the hole for the coffin and waiting until the conclusion of the service and committal before filling the hole back in.

The image of just a man with a shovel is not entirely true these days as Peter uses a small mechanical digger to help with the task.

Over the years Peter has developed a good working relationship with local undertakers throughout the area who recommend him for the work.

He generally digs around one grave a day. His routine is to prepare and dig the hole in the ground and once completed he places green matting around it.

After the funeral he then spends a couple of hours filling the hole back in and places the flowers on the grave.

His business has very little paperwork to contend with, limited overheads, and comes complete with the mini-digger and the other necessary equipment to do the job. Peter, who can be contacted by telephone on 07971045101, said he will also be offering full training.