WHEN the time comes to face the music, which song will you choose?, writes RACHEL PINDER.

A national survey of funeral undertakers revealed that Elton John's latest version of "Candle In The Wind", reworked for the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, has shot to the number one spot as the song most people would like played at their funeral.

So I contacted funeral directors in Blackburn, Darwen and Accrington to check out which songs were in and which were out. Barbara Cunliffe, of Scales Funeral Service in Darwen Street, Blackburn, said: "We give the family a choice. They can have taped hymn music or more popular music.

"Our most popular request is for 'Candle In The Wind', but we also get requests for songs by Tina Turner, Daniel O'Donnell, Harry Secombe, and even rap music.

"One of our most unusual requests was for the football song 'Here We Go' which was requested for a keen Rovers supporter who also had blue, white, and red flowers at his funeral service."

Marco Lysiuk, proprietor of Darwen Funeral Services in Blackburn Road, Darwen, said: "Our most popular request is for 'Wind Beneath My Wings'.

"We have a collection of traditional hymns, although modern music can provide a more fitting tribute to the deceased, particularly for younger people."

Peter Regan, of Hyndburn Funeral and Monumental Services in Queens Road, Accrington, said: "We offer a choice of music, from traditional right through to family favourites.

"We have had all sorts of requests, from Buddy Holly and Shirley Bassey to Tom Jones and Elvis Presley."

The national survey by Co-operative (CRS) Funeral Service showed that although traditional tunes like "Abide With Me" remained popular, modern songs were being requested more and more.

The first three songs in the national Top Ten are: Elton John's Candle In The Wind, Tina Turner's Simply The Best and My Way by Frank Sinatra.

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