A 133-year-old Croydon funeral service has no intentions of going six feet under after opening new premises in Old Coulsdon.

Rowland Brothers Funeral Directors enjoyed a celebration last Wednesday when Croydon Mayor Janet Marshall officially unveiled the family firm's new base.

The funeral firm provides a one-stop-shop for bereaved families. The Old Coulsdon premises is the fifth shop the business has opened since forming in the mid Victorian age, and they are all in Croydon.

Despite their evolution into one of the country's leading funeral directors, Tony Rowland, the firm's senior director, is not resting on his laurels.

He said: "We've come some way for a small family business and we've been successful - at least I think we have. But we still have a long way to go.

"I know I won't be around to see it but I would love to see the business reach the 200 year mark - that is what we are aiming for."

Mr Rowland, who will pass the reigns to his two children, Melanie and Steve, when he retires in two months, said he is proud of the company's family roots and will do all he can to ensure the company remains in the family.

"I think the secret of our success is that we are family business with a family feel and I think that is one of our main selling points. People really trust us.

"We've been a family business for more than 130 years and we have no intention of changing that fact."

According to Mr Rowland, what sets the firm apart from similar companies is the post-funeral service they provide.

"Once the funeral is finished that is when it starts to hit people and it's part of our job to be there for our customers. If we can help, we will.

"I remember one time when an elderly lady had trouble cutting the grass in her back garden after her husband died, so we arranged for the grass to be cut for her. I think it's little things like that set us apart."