For many years Tanya Russell has wanted to open a funeral directors to serve the local community.

However, she went on to establish a career in the caring industry after qualifying as a nursery nurse.

After getting married to Neil, and with two children, George, nine, and seven-year-old Oliver, the dream of working in the funeral industry has always stayed close to her heart.

Having worked in the funeral industry previously, Mrs Russell trained in all areas of the profession.

She is delighted that with the help of her business partner Haydn Farrell the opportunity has arisen to open their own family business.

Mr Farrell was a serving retained firefighter in Loddon for five years. He currently runs his own successful window cleaning business in the south Norfolk area.

Mr Farrell, who is married with a 21-year-old son Andrew, is very keen to learn the funeral business and is completing the foundation course.

Mrs Russell is currently studying the Diploma in Funeral Directing to add to her previous experience and knowledge, and said: 'I am very proud to be opening up the funeral home. I feel very passionate about my work and it will be run to a professional high standard.

'It is very important to offer a personal service and we want people to feel at ease and welcome any questions they may ask.

'We are determined to support people at such a traumatic time so we will listen carefully to their individual needs.'

Russell Independent Funeral Directors is based in Langley Road, Chedgrave, and will offer a 24-hour service seven days a week.

'Funeral homes can feel a little intimidating but we are able to offer a service where anyone can come in, have a cup of tea, and discuss how they would want to proceed,' said Mrs Russell.

The funeral home has established links with different operators to meet individual requirements.

As well as a traditional hearse it can offer a specially designed Harley Davidson sidecar motorcycle hearse with East Anglian based Funeral Motorcycles (www.funeralmotorcycles.co.uk)

The Chedgrave funeral directors is also able to offer a woodland burial at Colney in the heart of the Greenacres woodland burial ground.

To find out more about the business everyone is invited to an open day being held at the funeral home in Langley Road on Wednesday, February 25, between the hours of 10.30am to 2pm and 6pm to 8.30pm.

Alternatively you can call to make an appointment on 01508 521159 or email enquiries@russellfuneraldirectors.co.uk

Do you have a story from the south Norfolk or north Suffolk area? Email david.lennard@archant.co.uk with the details or call 01502 712502 to speak to a reporter.