When it comes to our final days it seems that rather than , many of us have begun to think outside the box.

A study of and mourners has uncovered the oddest last requests made by folk who died in the past year - including a man who wanted his body to be parachuted into the crematorium. Another man wanted his body to simply be put in rubbish sacks and left out for the bin men to collect.

The research - which polled 100 funeral directors and 1,500 Brits who have recently organised funerals - found that three-quarters of all funerals were cremations and just one quarter burials.

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Of those who were cremated, the study found that 51 per cent wanted their ashes scattered at their favourite place, while 27 per cent wanted their family to keep their ashes in an urn. A total of 20 per cent wanted their ashes buried, with two per cent choosing 'something else', like being used in a tattoo or in jewellery or blasted into space.

Asked in the poll if there was 'any unusual requests made by the deceased regarding the funeral service', the study found that some had very 'whacky' ideas. Among them include one man who wanted to be put in a coffin naked, with another wanting mourners to dress in beachwear.

The SunLife Cost of Dying study found that for those who scattered the ashes of a loved one, 30 per cent shook them out in a garden of remembrance. A total of 15 per cent scattered the ashes on a beach, with 11 per cent in woodland, and 11 per cent in a river or lake.

Eight per cent scattered their loved one's ashes in a park, with six per cent at home, and two per cent said they shook out the ashes at their favourite sports ground.

Mark Screeton, CEO at SunLife, said: "Our Cost of Dying report shows that while just 28 per cent of people want a traditional funeral, more than half would like to add a personal touch. Whether that's a themed send-off, bright clothing, or something a little more out there... and when we say out there, we really mean it

"From one person wanting everyone to turn up in full gear or beachwear, to another requesting to be buried naked, the imagination knows no bounds. We've even heard of wishes to be parachuted into the crematorium and a procession led by a shopping trolley.

"But despite these brilliant ideas, most people don't actually share them with their loved ones - 18 per cent of funeral organisers had no clue about any preferences at all.

"That's why our free tool, My Perfect Send-Off, is a great way to make sure your final wishes, no matter how unique, don't go unheard."