A GREENOCK funeral directors is flying the flag for International Women's Day by celebrating the strength of its all-female team. 

Co-op Funeralcare on West Blackhall Street is the only business of its type in Greenock to have a core team composed solely of women, in an industry which has traditionally been male-dominated.

A group of eight dedicated females work across roles including funeral service crew, funeral director and branch manager. 

Funeral director Angela Ross, who has been part of the team for seven years, was the only woman working in the branch when she started and is now very proud to be part of an all-female team. 

Angela said: "I was the only woman in the branch when I started and within the space of a few years, the team has completely changed around. 

"I think traditionally funeral arrangers were always women and every other aspect was deemed to be a man's job, but that's definitely changing. 

"It's really empowering to be part of an all-female team."

Greenock Telegraph:
Angela says she has witnessed a clear change in attitudes to women in the role over the last three years. 

She added: "There's been a definite shift. When I started, you could still feel a bit of reluctance  with some people. 

"We have so many people telling us that it's great to see an all-female team at a funeral now."

Co-op Funeralcare has been operating in Greenock town centre for more than 40 years and has looked after thousands of families. 

Angela says she's enjoyed working her way up the ranks over the years. 

She added: "You definitely have to be a certain type of person to do this type of job. 

"There's a lot of sensitivity involved and you have to be very aware of everything you're going to have to deal with."

Branch manager Olivia Logue says working at a funeral directors is 'definitely a vocation'. 

She added: "It's a very specialist field to get into, and people have to be clear from the outset that it's something they want to do. 

"It's amazing to see so many women getting involved in this type of career now. 

"We're a very strong female team, like a big family, and we all encourage each other."