A FORMER marine who developed a passion for all things Viking after leaving the Forces has told of his plans for an unusual funeral when his time comes.

Ian Uzzell, who will be familiar to visitors to the Jorvik Viking Centre, in York, after featuring in promotional material, wants his remains to be cremated and placed in a foot-long replica of a Viking longboat.

He has not yet decided what will happen to the boat.

The 69-year-old, who is in good health and has taken part in hundreds of re-enactment events, also talks to children about Viking traditions.

Mr Uzzell’s daughter, Jenny, helps run Saint and Forster Funeral Directors, in Darlington.

He said: “I do not intend to have to use my funeral plans any time soon, but you have got to be prepared.

“It was an idea that Jenny mentioned to my wife, Hazel, but was not sure how I would take it, as it is not something you like to talk about with your parents.

“But my wife mentioned it to me and I thought it was a fantastic idea.”

Mr Uzzell has already picked out his boat and will have it customised with the colours of the shield he uses in his numerous re-enactment events.

He said: “It is an odd sensation, to look at this thing and think ‘that is where my ashes are going to go one day’.”

Mr Uzzell said his Viking passion “filled a hole” in his life when he left the Marines after more than 20 years.

He grew his hair and beard in the style of a Viking warrior, and said: “The face, though I say so myself, is a good Viking face.”

Miss Uzzell, 43, was bitten by the Viking bug after witnessing a re-enactment during a visit to the International Garden Festival, in Gateshead, more than 20 years ago.

She said: “That was the weekend of my graduation, and both my mum and I fell in love with it and joined the reenactment society as a result.

“Saint and Forster has quite an alternative view of funerals and we do quite a few things that are a little bit unusual.

“My dad just looks Viking and throws himself 100 per cent into everything he does.”