A death in the family is never easy to cope with, but one town business has spent the last 90 years helping to ease away the pain.

James Giles and Sons funeral directors evolved in 1916 from a family building company. Cousins and current co-directors Ray and Jim Giles, grandchildren of James, were born just yards from the company premises in Stourbridge Road.

The office was then at the front of the family home, where James lived with his wife Anne and sons Fred, Burt and Les.

Fred took over the reigns following James' death in 1931 and he was joined by brothers Burt (Ray's father) in 1946 and Les several years later.

All three brothers had an active role in the business right up until death, introducing the next generation, Ray and Jim, to the business at the age of 15.

"It's always been about working in a team," said Ray.

"Even when dad was ill and inactive, he still used to report in every day."

Jim joined the business 48 years ago and is set to retire later this month. He still lives next to the premises, and with his impending retirement, the fourth generation - his son James and relatives Adrian Fountain and Gareth Andress - have also joined the firm.

Having taken on more unusual tasks such as a Harley Davidson-themed funeral procession, and recently a coffin carried down the Worcester-Birmingham canal by barge, Ray explains how the whole complexion of funeral organisation has changed, as families develop their own ideas for saying goodbye to their loved ones.

"Today every funeral is very different. People have got their own thoughts these days, such as choices of music and types of coffin, so it is important that these thoughts are carried out.

"When we began, funerals used to cost around £5 to £10, now they can cost over £1,000 or more for a basic cremation.

"Pre-arranged funeral plans have also been very much on the increase in the last ten years.

"People come in to arrange their own funerals in advance, to take the burden and the pressure off their loved ones, and it allows them to have it exactly how they want it."

Giles and Sons takes part in its first ever bereavement seminar later this week, with a focus on helping people come to terms with losing friends and relatives.

The seminar will be held at All Saints Church, in Burcot Lane, at 4pm this Friday and features a talk from Dr Bill Webster, from Canada, who draws from the experience of losing his wife.

"It's about helping people deal with bereavement, even working in bereavement isn't easy," said Jim.

"We've both been devastated by bereavement."

With the next generation of the Giles family already on board, Ray reflects on the importance of upholding the family tradition. "We are very proud of what our forefathers did, and we are looking forward to the next generation keeping up the standard and carrying on the continuity of the business."