A special memorial service it to be held for the man who was the lynchpin of a family funeral directors for more than 50 years.

Derek Farrier died in April this year and his family hope others will attend the service on Saturday December 14 - not only to remember him but their own loved ones too.

The service at St Mary’s Parish Church will be led by Father Peter Sherred and will include carols, music with classically trained singer Rebecca Robinson, readings and prayers. The service starts at 7pm.

More than 200 gold stars will be available at the church for people to write messages on and place on a special Christmas tree in memory of a family member or friend.

“Derek was very well known and respected and we wanted an opportunity to remember him. But we hope lots of other people will also join us at the service and that it will also be a special occasion for them to remember their family and friends,” said Derek’s wife, Lynda who runs the business with son James and daughters Julie and Sarah.

If it is well supported, Mrs Farrier hopes the service will become an annual event.

Derek, who died of Motor Neurone Disease, started work alongside his father Jack after leaving Dover Grammar School for Boys in 1958. The business had been founded by Jack 10 years earlier.

When Jack died 2002 Derek continued to run the business with his family - continuing the tradition his father had set.

“Jack and his wife Olive converted their house in London Road into a funeral directors,” said Mrs Farrier. “The business has come a long way since then. But the values of a family-run business have passed down the generations and we are proud to continue the traditions that Jack and Derek established,”

Light refreshments will be available in St Mary’s Parish Hall following the service.