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Terry Allen Funeral Services offering Land Rover hearse similar to one which carried Prince Philip

06:00, 10 September 2021

updated: 15:06, 10 September 2021

An undertakers says it has seen an increase in interest for its special hearse since the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral.

Prince Philip's coffin was carried to St George's Chapel, Windsor, on the back of a Land Rover Defender he spent 16 years designing.

The special Land Rover hearse
The special Land Rover hearse

Terry Allen Funeral Service was one of the first in the country to incorporate the iconic British brand into its fleet.

Mr Allen, who owned the vehicle and ran the business for 24 years, died two years ago after battling sepsis and lymphoma.

Fittingly, the 62-year-old was taken to the chapel at Blue Bell Hill Crematorium in the specially-converted Defender Station Wagon, with the cortege led by his son Mark.

The company, which is now run by wife Lynn, daughter Helen and Mark, has branches in Rochester, Strood, Rainham and Twydall.

Nicola Pantrey, who works at the company's Strood office, said: "It has always been popular but there has been an increase in interest since the prince's funeral.

Terry Allen of T Allen Funeral Service in Medway
Terry Allen of T Allen Funeral Service in Medway

"It seems to be popular for outdoor types and royalists.

"It's been in the family for some time and when Terry died it was passed on to Mark.

"The vehicle itself is very versatile and can be used in bad weather and slippery terrain."

The model is one of only four converted into a long wheel base hearse, including one which is now on the Falklands Islands.

The transformation was completed by Foley Specialist Vehicles Ltd, a specialist Land Rover company in Essex.

Terry Allen's Land Rover funeral hearse
Terry Allen's Land Rover funeral hearse

It says it helps ensure the Land Rover hearse is a quality option for those looking for a stand out funeral vehicle.

Terry Allen also offers the option of providing a 4×4 following vehicle to complete the procession.

This is a green Land Rover Discovery which can carry five mourners.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway

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