HE took a shine to a vintage motor hearse while watching Coronation Street.

And from that moment on, Edna Rodmell wanted to be taken to her grave inside just that type of vehicle.

A week ago, the 82-year-old died of cancer -- and yesterday her dying wish for a last journey in style was granted.

She was taken from St George the Martyr Church, Daubhill, to Overdale Cemetery in an prestigious hearse identical to the one she saw in the soap.

Friends and family said it was a fitting finale for the active pensioner, who was also an avid viewer of the goings on in Wetherfield.

Son Chris said: "My mother was watching the programme when she saw one of the characters being led away in an impressive hearse.

"She always said she wanted it to be part of her funeral."

The hearse was provided by close friend Jacqui Crowther, the 41-year-old manager of Worthington's Funeral Services, on Derby Street, Daubhill.

Jacqui handed over the vehicle for free. She said: "It was something she often spoke of so I was only too glad to help."

Edna was born in Daisy Street, Daubhill, before moving to nearby Blackledge Street, where she lived for 42 years.

She went to Brandwood County Primary School but left at the age of 12 to work in a cotton mill. Later, Edna worked in the canteen at Littlewood's. She retired aged 60.

Chris said: "She was always very active in retirement and would think nothing of jumping on a bus to places like Fleetwood or Bury Market.

"My mum loved going to church and she enjoyed some great holidays in sunny places like Italy, Greece and Spain. I think the fact the sun was out during the funeral was down to her."

Edna leaves behind two sons, Derek, aged 43, and Chris, aged 41, and a daughter, Carol, aged 57. Her third son, Peter, died four years ago, aged 46.

Edna doted on Chris's 18-month-old daughter, Georgia, and paid special attention to her other four grandchildren -- Karen, aged 22, Gary, aged 25, Leanne, aged 19, and 17-year-old Emma.

The family celebrated Edna's life at Rumworth Labour Club. She died at the Royal Bolton Hospital last Tuesday.

Vicar Steven Abram said: "It was a packed church because she was such a lovely lady.

"She may have been 82 but she was very much young at heart."