JCB used to transport digger-loving great-grandfather to his funeral

'It was a fantastic way to remember dad,' says daughter Julie Finney

Geoffrey Durham's coffin was loaded onto the bright yellow earth mover before being driven to his final resting place. (Grantham Journal/SWNS)

A digger-loving great-grandfather was given a fitting send off when his family used a JCB to transport the coffin to his funeral.

Geoffrey Durham's coffin was loaded onto the bright yellow earth mover before it was transported to St Mary Magdalene church in his hometown of Old Somerby, Lincolnshire.

The 74-year-old died on 23 March, days after collapsing as he got ready for work, was laid to rest earlier this month.

Mr Durham's eldest grandson, Tommy Finney, came up with the idea of using a JCB as a tribute.

They were able to borrow the machine from one of his former work colleagues.

Geoffrey Durham had a particular interest in JCB's, his family said. (Grantham Journal / SWNS) (Grantham Journal/SWNS)

Mr Durham's daughter, Julie Finney, said that her father has been working in his "dream job" at the Laffran Plant Hire in Barkston, Lincolnshire where he started 20-years ago.

He had worked in construction for more than 30 years and had a particular interest in JCBs.

“The service was lovely and everything that dad would have wanted," Ms Finney said. "He would have loved his send off with the JCB. It was a fantastic way to remember dad.”

Also a father to Terry Durham and Jane Welbourne, Mr Durham had been married to his wife Valerie for 52 years.

He also had six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.