NEWPORT woman Louise Ryan is literally following in her father's footsteps - leading funeral processions and escorting coffins to church yards.

It may sound like an odd choice of career for a young woman, but for Miss Ryan, 20, of Ogmore Crescent, Bettws, joining the family funeral business was the most natural decision in the world.

After stints working as a hairdresser and barmaid, she joined the staff of Michael G Ryan and Son Funeral Directors last year.

After 12 months training, she now dons top hat and tails and leads hearses to churches and crematoria.

Her role as a funeral director also involves making sure flowers are arranged properly, organising the words on gravestones and reassuring grieving relatives.

Dad Michael Ryan, 57, started the business on Malpas Road 11 years ago and now directs around 138 funerals a year.

Miss Ryan’s brother Thomas, 22, also helps out as does mum Pat, 52, who arranges the coffins.

Former St Joseph’s School pupil Miss Ryan has helped her dad since she was 13, with administrative work, typing and arrangements.

She said: “I never really knew what I wanted to do and had always helped out dad.It just seemed natural to go into the family business.”

While she said she was nervous and scared conducting her first funeral on her own last month, Miss Ryan said that making sure families are comfortable means her own feelings become secondary.

Miss Ryan said that her friends had always known she’d go into the business, but strangers are always shocked to hear of her occupation.

“I get a lot of strange questions,” she said. “People seem fascinated and ask me things like ‘is it scarey?’ and ‘what happens if the hearse breaks down?’.”

While it is not a role you’d instantly attach to a 20-year-old woman, Miss Ryan said a female touch has a lot going for it.

“It has to be done delicately,” she said. “A lot of people perceive it as a job for older people, especially men. But I think a woman adds a nicer touch and can be more compassionate to the family.”

She added: “Helping people with their grief is just a really worthwhile thing to do.”