A new survey of the nation’s favourite funeral music reveals that pop songs and film theme tunes are almost as likely to be chosen at funerals as hymns.

Frank Sinatra’s My Way is the single most popular contemporary song at funerals. It is followed by Bette Midler’s Wind Beneath My Wings and Angels by Robbie Williams.

Memories of the Second World War, spurred on by events to mark VE and VJ-days this year, helped Dame Vera Lynn to enter the popular Top Ten with We’ll Meet Again.

But the survey, by the biggest chain of undertakers, Co-operative Funeralcare, also suggests that the deceased are being laid to rest accompanied by some bizarre choices.

The theme tunes from Coronation Street and EastEnders now feature on the Co-op’s list, as does Buster Poindexter’s joyous nightclub anthem Feeling Hot Hot Hot, presumably for cremations. The Birdy Song, The Laughing Policeman and the sound of trains shunting in sidings are among more unusual requests.

TOP 10 POPULAR SONGS

1 My Way Frank Sinatra

2 Wind Beneath My Wings Bette Middler

3 Angels Robbie Williams

4 My Heart Will Go On Celine Dion

5 Simply The Best Tina Turner

6 I Will Always Love You Whitney Houston

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