IT'S not your typical woodwork project.

Councillor Ceri Stalker's decision to build her own coffin - which she'll first use as a bookshelf - is a trifle odd.

Most of us silently shudder at the sight of a passing coffin and push away any fleeting thoughts of our own need for one.

But not Cllr Stalker who has not only built her own but is comfortable enough to pose in it, with a broad grin plastered across her face.

Well, good for her. Dying is one of the only certainties in life and, as such, how helpful really is our often resolute determination to not talk about or even think about our imminent demise?

Does it not just merely pass the problem along to our nearest and dearest. And give them an issue they must deal with at a time when it's the last thing they probably want to do?

Cllr Stalker says building her coffin now will save her family money later. No doubt it will. And perhaps a little heartache too.

Until then, though, we hope she thoroughly enjoys the truly unique bookshelf she's planning to keep in her spare room.