Monty Python’s irreverent Life of Brian anthem Always Look on the Bright Side of Life has topped a new poll to find Britain’s favourite funeral song.

Eric Idle’s optimistic tune has beaten out the hymns The Lord is My Shepherd and and Abide with Me as well as Frank Sinatra’s My Way as the most popular choice for final farewells.

A spokesman for The Co-operative Funeralcare, the burial and cremation company involved in the survey, said, “The poll reflects a generational shift in attitudes towards funerals.

“Modern funerals are very much about personal choice, and the variety of songs played at funerals today illustrates how more and more people are choosing to personalise funerals, and celebrate their loved one’s life with a fitting farewell.”

Other popular songs making the top 10 include Angels by Robbie Williams and You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry & the Pacemakers.