WASLEY Hills Crematorium, a part of Westerleigh Group, has joined forces with Aura Flights to offer a unique final journey for loved ones – scattering ashes in space.

The crematorium now provides two options for the cremated remains of individuals.

First, the "Memorial Launch" service involves placing the ashes in a "scatter vessel" that is attached to a space-capable, renewable hydrogen gas-filled biodegradable balloon.

At about 100,000 feet above the Earth, the ashes are gradually released and spend the next three-to-six months orbiting the planet.

Upon re-entry into the atmosphere, the ashes seed cloud formations and eventually fall back to Earth as raindrops and snowflakes.

The entire ascent and release process is captured on video to create a cherished memorial for families to treasure.

The second option called the Voyager package, transports a ceremonial portion of the loved one's ashes to the same height as the scattering launch into space.

Subsequently, the ashes are returned to their families on Earth in a premium miniature urn.

Kevin Davies, head of division which includes Waseley Hills Crematorium said: “We are always looking to expand the range of memorial options available to the bereaved in order to give them the widest possible choice and help them to create uniquely personal memorials for their loved ones.

“Aura Flights offer something that is truly out of this world.

“Within days of the ashes being scattered, families will receive a personalised memorial video showing their loved one’s final journey among the stars.”

Samantha Richardson, general manager of Aura Flights, said: “From the moment we started talking about a collaboration, they saw how special a space scattering can be and their focus is always on supporting the bereaved throughout their journey, which I really admire."