The young funeral staff 'cutting stereotypes'

Sterling Riegel, Alex Alcott, Mark Thomas, Noah Dixon and Conor Rabone all work at Thomas Brothers in Redditch

A group of young staff at a Worcestershire funeral directors have said the work is "rewarding" and helps to overcome an outdated view of the industry.

At Thomas Brothers in Redditch, a majority of operatives responsible for arranging services are aged in their 20s and 30s.

Conor Rabone, who is also the frontman of local indie band Gathering of Strangers, said he had taken part in more than 1,000 funerals over the last four years.

“We’re all really close friends," he said of his colleagues. "We’re lucky enough to be able to work together with mates."

Mr Rabone, 28, said being able to talk to family and friends about his role was "important."

“When you do the funerals, obviously you’re as respectful as possible as you can be, but when you come back... you’re with your mates and you’ve got to be able to switch it off," he said.

Sterling Riegel, 32, described his job as "really fun" and said it had a "good work environment."

"Obviously with funerals you have to make sure everything goes to plan but like Conor said, once you get back it’s very laid back and there’s little to no stress," he explained.

"All the bosses are really nice, it’s one of those things, I look forward to coming to work everyday.”

There was usually a "bit of silence and awkwardness," when telling others where he worked, but it was a "rewarding job" to have, added Alex Allcott, 31.

Noah Dixon, 26, added he felt the group were a "bit more approachable" due to their ages.

“I think quite a lot of families actually like that we’re a bit younger, obviously especially if they’ve got kids," he said.

“It cuts the stereotype of funeral directors just being old and moody and stuff. So I think families quite like it.”