THERE is nothing more certain in life than death, which is probably why grave digging is one of the few industries not affected by the recession.

Digging holes in the ground for the deceased may not seem the most glamorous of occupations, but a thriving one-man business, bringing in over £30,000 a year could be yours for £13,000.

Peter Telfer, 33, of Llanishen, Monmouthshire, says he is selling the business to explore other career options while he is still young enough. He is now considering becoming an undertaker.

Grave digging is the only career Mr Telfer has ever known.

He started working with his uncle, Gwyn, while still a pupil at Chepstow Comprehensive, and took the business on alone when he retired, in 2004.

Mr Telfer said: “Some people consider it a pretty ghoulish trade. But, apart from digging up the odd scrap of old bone, from churchyards that are usually over 100 years old, I’ve not come across anything unusual.”

The role involves arriving at churchyards around Gwent before a funeral, and digging a hole for the coffin. Mr Telfer will then wait until after the service before filling the hole in.

He admits every gravediggers worst nightmare is the coffin not fitting in the hole.

Mr Telfer said: “There are lots of different kinds of coffins these days, like more rounded ones and oblong shaped ones, so you’ve got to be exact with the size of the hole.

“The grieving family are obviously having a bad enough day, so you don’t want to add to it, with the coffin not fitting in the ground. Luckily, there is very rarely a mix-up and it has only ever happened to me once.”

A single depth grave costs £190, while a double - that may hold a couple - is £210 and a triple is £250. This may be paid for by parents of a dead child who want to be buried there later.

Mr Telfer, who has developed a good relationship with undertakers in the area who recommend him for he work, said: “Death is something that will always be there, so it’s a secure business and a good earner.”

He will typically dig one grave a day, working for three hours before a funeral, creating the hole and placing green matting around it. Afterwards, he will spend three hours filling it back in.

His business - which has no trading name - has little paperwork, few overheads, apart from fuel and comes with a mini digger, other equipment and full training.