The Co-op has launched a “poppy hearse” to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War.

The firm’s funeralcare business has transformed a Ford Cardinal with images of 100 poppies, saying there was increased demand for alternative vehicles at funerals.

The Co-op has used canal boats, milk floats, lorries and a converted steam train as hearses in some of the 100,000 funerals it organises every year.

David Collingwood, director of funerals at the Co-op, said: “Personalisation of funerals is something we’re seeing more and more frequently.

“Families want to reflect the unique personalities and interests that their loved ones had whilst they were alive.

“We always aim to make our clients’ wishes a reality – and with a decreasing number of Brits wanting a traditional funeral, our growing fleet of alternative hearses is just one of the many ways that we can help do just that.”

The introduction of the poppy hearse follows the popularity of a rainbow hearse which, since being unveiled at last year’s Brighton Pride, has had an “unprecedented” uptake across the country, said the Co-op.

The poppy hearse will be available nationwide for funerals organised by Co-op Funeralcare.