WHEN undertakers, pallbearers and gravediggers turn up at a church it's usually a sombre affair.

But there were smiles everywhere on the day that funeral directors Ashley Mogg and Claire Fortey got married.

And among the congregation at St Paul's Church, Tupsley, were two families devoted to the undertaking business.

Claire's mum Val is also a funeral director, with S A Evans in Hereford, while her dad Keith and brother-in-law Christiaan are chauffeurs, bearers and gravediggers.

Ashley works at A V Band in Worcester with brother Darryl, uncle Brian, auntie Shirley, sister Cheryl and cousin Jo.

Unsurprisingly, Ashley and Claire met through their work three years ago.

They got engaged during a riverboat trip and married within two months because 'it felt so right'.

The only remotely sombre part of the ceremony was the sophisticated black limousines carrying the party to the service.

In spite of working in what could be described as 'depressing circumstances,' Claire, 21, insists: "We are not a morbid family."

Passionate about helping people face probably the most testing time of their lives and offering loved ones a dignified goodbye is completely natural and a worthwhile occupation for Claire.

The former Aylestone School pupil said: "I have grown up with it and it seems all very natural to me. I used to go grave-digging with dad in the school holidays and sit in the car, but I can actually dig a grave and fill one in - there is an art."

Thirty-two year old Ashley said: "Of course it can really affect you - especially when it is one of your own.

"Sometimes you can think - if it is someone elderly - that they have lived to a grand old age, but I get angry about people who have died young, especially when it is a child, it is such a waste."

Claire, a funeral services conductor currently studying for her National Diploma of Funeral Directing, said: "You don't detach yourself - it is a very proud job to be in, some people can relate better to a lady because they can express their emotions, while others prefer a traditional male funeral director."

She added: "No two funerals are the same, we take whatever time they want and we just listen to them. Sometimes they find it easier to talk to a stranger and we continue that care afterwards. Families often stay in touch with us after the event."