FAMILIES are being encouraged to talk about their loved one's final wishes – and discover the many weird and wonderful options for funerals in Lincolnshire.

Undertaker Patrick Cook has teamed up with Lincoln's Methodist churches to organise a funeral fair in the city.

The hope is that showing people some of what is on offer and getting them to talk about their wishes will reduce the stress for grieving relatives when the time comes.

Funeral director Patrick Cook said families he encounters are already grieving and have to make decisions while worrying if what they do is what their loved one really wanted, which adds to the stress.

"We're not trying to sell things to the public and entry to the event is free," he said.

"All we're doing is trying to encourage people to talk about these issues.

"This could be the first event of its type in the country.

"We'll have advice on the serious parts of end-of-life arrangements, such as bereavement counselling and probate, but also the lighter side, such as having your ashes sent up in a spectacular display of fireworks or launched into space like Scotty from Star Trek."

Methodist minister Sara Cliff said that, even if people couldn't talk about the issue of their own death, she hoped the fair would encourage people to write down their wishes.

"We want to get people to think about the end of their lives and have a conversation with their family about what they want so it can be put in place before it is too late.

"Even if you can't talk about it, write it down and put it somewhere it can be found so people are aware of your wishes.

"You are never too young to plan ahead. None of us know what is around the corner."

Gordon Tulley, a spokesman for Respect UK, which operates a green burial site near Gainsborough, said the issue of planning ahead for death was a particular problem for men in Lincolnshire.

"Ninety-five percent of calls we get about 'advanced bookings' are from women," he said.

"But if you talk to your family and friends about what you want then, when the time comes, everyone is much happier.

"I know everyone is scared of dying and we all want to live forever, but, like taxes, you know death is coming and planning ahead makes sure people can do what you want."

The Funeral Fair takes place from 11am to 3pm on Saturday at Bracebridge Heath Methodist Church.