A funeral director in Malmesbury has been gently urged to make changes to their array of floral decorations.

Every year staff at Matthews Independent Funeral Directors, on Burnham Road, display colourful hanging baskets.

Their meticulous displays have won the company awards in the Malmesbury in Bloom competition in previous years.

However, this year an anonymous note asked that things be done in a slightly different way.

A hand-written post card, adorned with a mountain scene from Madeira, was posted through the door and read: "Hi, every year you put out some beautiful hanging baskets.

"Do you think it would be possible to change the colours of the flowers please? It’s a lot of orange! Maybe white and red or a mix of colours.

"They would look lovely. Thank you’.”

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: The flowersThe flowers

James Beesley, director of Matthews Independent Funeral Directors, said: “Words failed me when I read the letter. It was a little bit bizarre, especially the foreign postcard choice, although it did have an English stamp.

"It is still a mystery as to who the sender is. We all saw the funny side, and will take on the challenge and see what different colours we can use in the future to make the sender happy!

"Hopefully next year we can get a card of approval. "