A builders’ merchant in Lancashire recently paid its respects to a regular customer by giving him a “last lap” in the firm’s yard.

The hearse carrying the coffin of Simon Briggs, a local customer, passed around C&W Berry’s yard on its way to Charnock Richard crematorium in Leyland.

Briggs’ sister, Joanne Stevenson, had asked the family-run merchant if the drive-past was possible after Briggs’ best friend Craig Walton thought of the idea.

C&W Berry’s was happy to oblige, and staff stood in tribute as the vehicle went past.

Stevenson wrote on the Leyland Memories Facebook page: “So proud of C&W Berry’s standing on ceremony for my lovely brother Simon.

“Much respect for this company [and] many thanks to manager Martin who I only asked at 8.30am that day.

“My brother was able to have his last lap around the yard where he spent many times there being a big customer…so emotional”.