MOST 16-year-olds are currently deciding where to study their A -levels or go to college — but one teenager has made the unusual choice of embarking on an apprenticeship at a funeral directors in Ramsbottom.

Ethan May is working with at Holt and Son funeral directors in Bolton Road West.

The firm was established four months ago, and Ethan has been there all the way alongside the boss Mr William Holt, who has worked in the industry for 11 years.

Ethan, who is a former pupil of Alder Grange High School in Rawtenstall, was on the lookout for a career after finishing school, when he came across the idea.

He said: "My grandma asked 'How would I feel about working with dead people', and I said I wouldn't mind it.

"My school got in touch with Will, and I have really enjoyed being taught by him.

"I have done two funerals, one burial and one cremation. I also have carried a coffin, and been to the morgue to collect a body. It has been good so far."

Mr Holt, who formerly trained staff at funeral directors before setting up a firm of his own, said he had been by impressed by Ethan's work.

He said: "Ethan has done very well, and he really looks the part.

"I have never come across anyone working in the industry who has been this young, so it is a new one for me. I didn't want to work in a funeral directors when I was that age.

"But saying that, I have had a lot of interest in young people interested in doing an apprenticeship."

Ethan, who enjoys listening to music outside of work, is now undergoing training to become a funeral celebrant, so he can conduct non-religious funerals.

He said he has no plans to leave the industry for the moment, and is planning to use his experience in the future.

Ethan, from Rawtenstall, added: "I think I will carry on with Will for a bit, and when I have finished my qualifications I might think about setting up on my own."