Wizard of Oz costume and Chinese takeaway among bizarre coffin keepsakes people ask to be buried with

A Wizard of Oz costume, a Chinese takeaway and an Argos catalogue are among the bizarre items British people have asked to be buried with, a new study reveals.

Other strange coffin keepsakes requested included a fishing rod, a violin, and a pair of clown shoes, the Co-Op said, following a study of 500,000 funerals over the past five years.

One in five of 4,000 adults surveyed by the company said they had already decided what they want to be placed inside their coffin.

More than half wanted photographs, one in four wanted a teddy bear, and one in 10 opted for a bottle of their favourite alcoholic drink.

Some people said they would like a torch, an alarm button or a mobile phone beside them as they are put six feet under.

The Co-op said the most unusual items people asked to be put in their coffins included scones, toffee crisps, a broomstick, an dustpan and brush, playing cards, a wedding dress and a Russian doll.

David Collingwood, director of funerals at the Co-op, said: "Placing items inside coffins dates back centuries, but what we're seeing now is a shift in more people choosing exactly which personal items they want to be buried with.

"Sometimes, those items are sentimental to the deceased, such as love letters, photographs and wedding rings. Others choose items specifically to make people laugh, such as a Chinese takeaway. It can be a real talking point for those left behind."

The survey also showed 46 percent of people have given their funeral not very much or no thought at all.

More than a fifth - 22 percent - of people have already made decisions about what they would want placed inside their coffin when their time does come.

Previous studies have found that more people are turning their funerals into a "celebration of life", with some people having their ashes turned into fireworks and asking people to turn up in fancy dress or do the Conga dance during their procession.

A Co-op spokesman added: "British humour rings true as a sixth of people anticipate a great escape, opting for torches and mobile phones within their coffins."

On Sunday the TV personality Mr Motivator, real name Derrick Evans, revealed he wants his ashes to be mixed with fish paste and put into sandwiches to be eaten by guests at his funeral, The Daily Star said.