A CARLISLE funeral director who offers a radical alternative to conventional funerals has been shortlisted for a national award.

Tracy Lazonby, 42, set up Final Journey two years ago.

She offers everything from woodland burials in a shroud or cardboard coffin to motorcycle send-offs where the deceased arrives in a sidecar hearse.

Other hearse options include a white 1972 Volkswagen camper van, an elegant horse-drawn carriage and a 1950s vintage Leyland Beaver lorry – the 21ft deck provides plenty of room for a unique display.

Final Journey also organises traditional funerals with morning suits and a black limousine hearse.

Mrs Lazonby was inspired to set the up business after her mother died following a long battle with multiple sclerosis.

She said: “It was going through the whole process of sorting the funeral out that set me off. I had a bill for £3,500 and thought ‘what on earth have I paid for?’. The experience opened a door.

“I became obsessive about the industry. I started researching and studying. I became absolutely fascinated by the whole thing.”

The decision to launch her own business followed.

Now Final Journey, based in Durdar Road, Carlisle, has been selected from hundreds of nominees to go through to reach the final stages of this year's Good Funeral Awards.

It is shortlisted for 'most promising new funeral director of the year'.

Fran Hall, chief executive of The Good Funeral Guide, said: “The Good Funeral Awards recognise exceptional service to bereaved people from all aspects of the funeral industry and supporting services.

“By progressing this far, Final Journey has already demonstrated outstanding professionalism, empathy and a willingness to go the extra mile."

The winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony at the Porchester Hall in London on September 8, hosted by former GMTV presenter Penny Smith.

Brian Jenner, the event organiser, said: “The Good Funeral Awards recognise all those unsung heroes who work so hard for the bereaved and whose role can so easily be overlooked."