MOURNERS in Teignbridge can now arrange a more environmentally friendly send off for their loved ones thanks to the introduction of a new electric-powered zero-emission hearse.

Funeral Partners are the first funeral business in the south west to introduce the green machine to their fleet of vehicles.

The more environmentally friendly vehicle option is available at J H Way Funeral Services in Dawlish and Teignmouth

Sandra Murphy, area development manager for Funeral Partners in the south west, said the reaction to the new Nissan Leaf vehicle had been very positive since it has taken to the road.

‘It’s all about offering choice,’ she said. ‘More and more, you will find many of the deceased may have had an electric car themselves or lived a life where they were passionate about the environment or conscious about climate change, so being able to offer that opportunity can only be a positive thing.

‘It looks almost identical to a regular hearse just a little smaller with no middle seat, so you do not lose anything with the look and feel.’