RESIDENTS can celebrate the life of a loved one with a non-religious ceremony as East Sussex County Council expands it civil funeral service.

The Registration Service has identified the growing demand for non-religious funerals across the county and has boosted its team with four new civil funeral celebrants.

“For many families, religious funeral services are not suitable but there can be very little else on offer,” said Cllr Chris Dowling, lead member for community services.

“Civil funeral services offer an alternative way to say goodbye to family and loved ones in a personal and intimate ceremony which can include a prayer or a hymn if desired.

“We are delighted to be able to offer this increasingly popular service across the county.”

Over the last five years, the number of civil funerals conducted by experienced celebrants from the Lewes and Crowborough Registration Offices, has been on the rise.

The recruitment of four new celebrants, based  in the Eastbourne and Hastings areas, means the Registration Service can now offer this increasingly popular alternative celebration of a life across the entire county.

Civil funerals are suitable for a cremation, burial or for scattering or burying ashes, are generally non-religious and can involve friends and family. They are also often more affordable than traditional services.

Our funeral celebrants undergo intensive training to ensure they are competent and professional in dealing with the bereaved families they will come into contact with in the course of their duties.

For more information about civil funerals visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk/civilfuneral or contact your nearest Registration Office.