A FAMILY-RUN funeral business has moved into new premises in Melksham.

Funeral directors DJ Bewley, run by Patrik Bewley and his wife Cheryl, has moved into Bank Street from the corner of Church Street car park.

The business was started by Mr Bewley's father Dennis John more than 33 years ago and now Patrik's daughter Danielle helps run the Trowbridge-branch in Duke Street, with son Ryan also planning to join the firm.

The new Melksham premises has a lounge area, waiting room and two chapels of rest which can also be accessed from the car park at the back. A large reception area in the Grade II listed former Future Resources shop means people can easily call in to find out details about a funeral, make donations, or arrange floral tributes.

They can also pre-plan their own funeral, taking away some of the burden left to relatives in the future.

"The business has expanded and we needed to find bigger premises but the personal touch is still much in evidence," said Mr Bewley, who joined his father in the firm as a junior partner in 1980.

"Families like to see someone they know dealing with their loved ones."

Although carrying on the good name and traditions set by his father, Mr Bewley is mindful of the need to keep pace with modern times.

He said: "We can provide a 19th century glass hearse drawn by a team of black horses while at the other end of the scale we have our own comprehensive website."