The expression "pushing up the daisies" could take on a new meaning after the launch of a new range of decorated coffins.

A daisy motif is among the designs offered by new Cowley-based company, Oxford Coffins, which has been set up by Sandra Homewood, co-owner of funeral directors H&R Childs and Mary Tomes of printing firm Parchment.

They are offering a range of designs, from trees to trains and guitars. The idea came from Ms Tomes who told her family about 30 years ago that she wanted to be buried in a coffin decorated with daisies.

Ms Homewood said: "The idea is to personalise someone's life or ambitions. If someone wanted to be Brad Pitt they could have his photo on their coffin."

The coffins will only be sold to funeral directors, not directly to the public. She added: "We hope they will be no more expensive than middle-range coffins. We have had a very good response so far and are launching in Oxford first, followed by London and then nationwide.

"Judging by the reaction we have had so far, they will be very popular."

The coffins were showcased recently at an exhibition in the United Reformed Church, Headington. Ms Homewood added: "We are trying to bring the business into the 21st century. I think it is time we got rid of dark wood and gave people a choice."