After hundreds of years of heavy wooden caskets taking our departed to their final resting places, the 21st century has seen a more individual trend.

Personalised caskets are becoming increasingly popular, with more people choosing to give themselves and loved ones a quirky and colourful send-off.

Oxford-based Colourful Coffins has been leading the way in bespoke casket design since its launch 10 years ago and has seen its sales increasing by 30 per cent each year for the last three years.

Memorable designs have included a coffin designed to look like a wheelie bin, a glittering casket encrusted with 6,000 crystals and another featuring all the colours of the rainbow.

The family firm, based in Cowley, made the national news recently, after designing a Costa Coffee inspired coffin for a Swindon woman who was loyal to the chain.

Another Colourful Coffins customer had a crossword printed on her casket, which mourners were invited to help fill in.

According to director Mary Tomes, who runs the business with husband Kevin, many people are now designing their own coffins as a surprise for their families on the day.

She said: "It is all about the individual. The coffin should be as individual as they are. We are the first ones to do it in the UK, but just in the last two years it has really taken off."

The firm's bespoke coffins are all made from wood and are only available to buy through funeral directors, although the firm does work with families to create the designs.

It is planning a range of order of service and condolance books to match the casket designs and is also starting a Facebook page for bereaved families.

For more details on how to design a customised coffin, visit the website at www.colourfulcoffins.com

With the rise in woodland burials, demand for biodegradable coffins is now high.

The Co-operative Funeralcare, which has branches across the county - including ones in Oxford, Bicester, Didcot and Abingdon - offers a range of environmentally-friendly options.

They include coffins made out of banana leaf, willow, wool and biodegradable cardboard.

See online at www.coopfunerals.co.uk to find out more about the full range of green funeral options.