HAUNTING musical notes to echo pain felt by the congregation are something many of us associate with a funeral.

But the host of songs now available and a more relaxed view of seeing off a loved one means classical overtures destined to bring people to tears have been replaced with more well known pop tracks.

The Echo reported two years ago how pop hits had become some of the most well-played songs at a funeral.

And now a new tracklist from staff at Lincoln Crematorium show songs played in 2008 have now been ditched in favour of other emotionally wrought chart toppers.

A top ten list previously included Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol, The Carnival Is Over by The Seekers, I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston and Angels by Robbie Williams.

They have now been replaced by Westlife's You Raise Me Up and Vera Lynn's war-time classic We'll Meet Again.

And Lincoln residents in mourning have also opted for classical music greats, Elgar's Nimrod and Pachelbel's Canon in D major – although they are the only two "traditional" tracks played.

Nick Barton, bereavement services officer at the City Of Lincoln Council, said: "We have quite a large library of music covering classical music, hymns and popular music that is used at services.

"There are more and more families now choosing to use music that has a special meaning to the family or the deceased. We have had CDs with people singing their favourite songs, and we once had a steam train enthusiast who had the sound of his favourite locomotive coming towards the station, passing through and continuing on its journey.

"We don't have a list of songs we do not allow, but we wouldn't want songs that could be offensive to others at the service or any that contain bad language."

Well-known tracks like Over The Rainbow, by Eva Cassidy, Tina Turner's Simply The Best and the appropriately titled Time To Say Goodbye by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman are still played regularly.

Russell Hubbard, 37, of Bardney, said he would choose With Or Without You by U2 to be played at his funeral.

He said: "I'd choose this song. obviously because I like it but also because it is quite deep and meaningful.

Radio presenter Tom Davies, of Wragby Road, Lincoln, said Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star would be his choice.

He said: "I'd like to think I'd left something behind for others and it symbolises a kind of guiding light."