AN independent funeral director who organised the burials of former prime minister Anthony Eden and author Terry Pratchett is set to merge with a city centre undertaker.

Richard Adlem, 83, has run his Sixpenny Handley funeral business for more than half a century, during which time he has organised the ceremonies for much of the great and the good in the area.

During his career he has, amongst others, conducted the funerals of royal photographer Sir Cecil Beaton and flight refuelling pioneer Sir Michael Cobham.

Now, he is looking to pass on his firm to Darren MacDonald, whose business on Pennyfarthing Street opened last year.

Richard, who is a lifelong bachelor, said he wanted to pass his company onto somebody who could keep his name going.

“I have had many offers for people to come into my business and many of the big boys have wanted it,” he said. “But I didn’t want any of them, I wanted somebody that thinks and talks and does the same as I do.

“I met Darren in a crematorium four or five years ago and I was very impressed with the way he handled himself and I kept my eye on him. I heard he had set up his own business so one day I came in here off-the-cuff to see what he was up to.

“I was very pleased to see how well he was doing and I thought I’d met the chap I wanted to help.

“But we are not only business partners, we are very good friends. I want it to carry on in the same way it started and I’m sure Darren will do that.”

During his time running the business Richard said the industry has changed immensely and reflected on a time when he used to both make the coffins and dig the graves. But he hopes his personal way of running the company can continue.

Darren added: “I always believe in giving a good service at a fair price to anyone in the community.

I meet so many people who do the opposite. Anyone who comes here is part of my family, people can come day or night and it is nice to welcome them. At a big funeral directors they are just a number but I don’t think it should be like that.”

The two firms plan to formally merge in the coming months.