A man from Cornwall has come up with a novel way to commemorate loved ones.

Colin Packham's memorial beehives remember the dearly departed by dedicating a whole colony of pollinators to their name.

For £300, customers can have a hive built and populated with the insects and a perpetual supply of honey jars with personalised labels delivered thrice annually.

Colin thought of the idea at a friend's funeral when he realised that people's tributes to the dead could be incredibly wasteful.

South West Farmer:

Colin Packham with honey comb

He said: "I went to a funeral and saw that people were spending a lot of money on flowers. I though 'we need something more beneficial for everyone'.

"We need the pollinators. They're going through a bad time. And some people plant trees for loved ones, some people do a park bench or a bench with a view.

"It's the same with a hive."

The hives are not strictly for memorial purposes.

Colin said: "It could be for a business, it could be a memorial honey or a celebration honey. Or from a grandchild to their grandchildren."

South West Farmer:

Inspecting the hive

Originally from London, Colin moved to Cornwall hoping to work in agriculture before he was taken ill.

Three years ago, he took a beekeeping course and has not looked back since, saying: "I enjoy being out in the fresh air instead of being in an office."

He said: "It's best to work between mid day and three o clock, just minimising the impact of being attacked. I have been stung a few times."

Colin will not advertise the exact location of the hives.

He said: "Believe it or not, they're susceptible to thieves."

Colin is training up an apprentice so that when he passes away himself, the bees will live on.

He said: "They should go on, I'd like to say, indefinitely."