FUNERAL services is not your obvious career choice for a young man in his 20s.

But then, Fergus Court did come across his job literally by accident.

The 26-year-old had been a plumbing apprentice and spent time working on a farm when his partner and soon-to-be wife, Katie, crashed her car on Christmas Day five years ago.

“It was right outside a funeral director and when I went to tidy up the wall I was approached by one of the employees who told me there was a good opportunity for me there if I was interested,” he said.

“I started at the bottom running around helping out and gradually worked my way up.”

Fergus, who lives in Norton with Katie and their two young sons, decided to set up his own business in January.

The couple, who are getting married this weekend, have seen the business go from strength-to-strength, opening new premises on Butcher Corner in Malton. “It has been a really busy and hectic year,” Fergus said.

“We were supposed to get married earlier in the year, but with setting up the business we had to put it back.”

Katie is helping the the admin side while Fergus offers a full range of personal funeral services.

“Our motto is ‘let our family take care of your family’,” he said. “Because I am independent, I can offer families exactly what they want at an affordable price, unlike others in Malton and Norton who are owned by a larger national company.”

Fergus said: “I also source everything locally, supporting other local businesses where I can.”

Working closely with other professionals in the funeral care industry, Fergus’ aim is to tailor his services.

“Whether is it a traditional, religious, contemporary or humanist funeral, I can arrange the appropriate farewell for loved ones,” he added.

“I work closely with Steve Emmett who has just won Celebrant of the Year at the Good Funeral Awards and for those who want a non-religious service, he is brilliant.” Fergus plans to host an open day shortly where people can view the premises which will include a chapel of rest.

“I think my mum was a bit unsure when I first said I was going to work at a funeral directors, but I couldn’t think of doing anything else now. he added, “With my new premises open I want to concentrate on building up the business andI would like to thank my family, friends and other local businesses.” for their continued support and help in these early stages.”