The long-lost tradition of bowing as a hearse passes by may be on the way back - thanks to coronavirus.

Funeral celebrant Susan Flipping from Upchurch near Sittingbourne is calling for a return of the ritual as a way of supporting grieving families during the lockdown.

She said: "Years ago, anyone seeing a hearse drive by would stop and bow their head as a sign of respect.

"If we start doing it again, families who can’t say goodbye to their loved one would at least have the comfort of knowing their final journey was being recognised."

Her suggestion comes as crematoriums like the Garden of England at Bobbing are limiting mourners to immediate family and restricting numbers to no more than 10.

The move has the support of Bobby Palliser of Sheppey undertakers Palliser Platt and Sons. He said: "In these times where funerals are restricted, our chance to support people during bereavement is limited.

"We also wondered if we could revive an old tradition that would show people their loss is noticed and shared by us all. If you see a hearse, could you stop, stand for a moment as it passes, perhaps take off your cap, and bow your head?

"It would mean the world to families in a time of sadness."

Miss Flipping believes crematoriums may soon have to move to cremations with no ceremony at all and so is offering an online service with a slide-show of photographs available to up to 100 family and friends watching in the safety of their own homes.

A recent example was on Tuesday when neighbours stood in the street to pay their last respects to former Swale mayoress Val Dane as her hearse drove through Queenborough High Street.

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