At a funeral it is traditional to bring flowers, although these days many people ask instead for donations to charity.

But one family made an unusual request in order to leave a lasting memory of their loved one – by asking for contributions towards a flat screen television.

Fred Flavell spent the last few months of his life at Sanford House care home, in Dereham, which specialises in dementia care.

His family were so pleased with the care he received that they wanted to give something back to the home and decided a 50in TV fitted the bill, so it could be enjoyed by Mr Flavell's friends there.

His daughter Claire Conway, 45, said: 'Flowers are nice, but it seems like a bit of a waste to spend all that on them.

'We thought this would be something that would be useful to people.

'Friends and family all put in to get all the bits and pieces, a DVD player and DVDs.

'The old television was quite small and some of them would struggle to see it so we thought it would be a nice gesture.

'Dad was very cheeky and a very proud man. He always had a smile and would enjoy a joke.'

Mr Flavell, who died in May, lived at Sanford House for almost a year.

A former footballer, Mr Flavell enjoyed watching sport and particularly his beloved West Ham.

His wife Pat Flavell said: 'He couldn't have gone to a better place. They really are fantastic here.

'We thought it would be nice to give something that would benefit everyone.

'Fred was a big sports man, he loved to watch his football and his golf.

'He was a good player and played for lots of clubs in the Southern leagues and around London.'

Sanford House manager Joan Auton said Mr Flavell was remembered fondly by staff at home.

She said: 'He was lovely and he enjoyed joining in with our activities.

'It is a really nice gesture from the family and the staff and residents have really appreciated it.

'They are a lovely family, they visited him every day.'

Mr Flavell celebrated his 80th birthday at the home shortly before his death.

Mrs Conway said: 'We brought a DVD player and DVDs because we thought people might watch them in their rooms.

'There are lots of musicals because the residents really enjoy their music.

'When it was his birthday all the residents joined in dancing and singing along, it was a wonderful day.

'One of his friends was a bit of a singer and they were all kicking their legs along to New York, New York.'

Granddaughter Emma Nugent, 19, said: 'It is funny the things you remember.

'I remember going round grandad's house and he would get a packet of cheese and onion crisps, the chocolate digestives and we would sit and watch the telly together.'

Have you raised money in someone's memory? Email reporter Doug Faulkner at doug.faulkner@archant.co.uk