GRIEVING pet owners can now have an everlasting memorial to their beloved animal - by having their ashes turned into diamonds.

The idea originated in America, and now a Darwen pet funeral firm has brought the service to East Lancashire.

Geoff Hobson, who runs Avalon Pet Funeral Services, decided to become a UK agent for the American company Lifegems after its popularity there.

He said: "The service has really taken off for humans and animals in the US and I am sure it will take off here too.

"We have already had a lot of inquiries from people, but at a cost of up to £3,000, the price is still somewhat prohibitive."

Lifegems manufacture the diamond through a high-temperature process which blends carbon from cremated ashes with carbon used to make man-made diamonds. The company can do the same with human ashes.

The resulting certified gem has a yellow hue but all the characteristics of a natural diamond and can be set into any type of jewellery.

Mr Hobson hopes that a Lifegem could offer people comfort after the death of a pet. Once your pet has been cremated, the ashes are sent to America to be processed.

He said: "In this country we have traditionally buried pets in the back garden.

"But if you move house they are left behind with no way for you to visit them to pay your respects. With a pet funeral or a piece of jewellery you have the chance to remember your pet and keep them with you."

Avalon Pet Funeral Services, based in Tockholes, was set up after a friend of Mr Hobson's dog died.

"The death of a pet affects people more than we realise," he said. "It is on a par with losing a best friend."

Owners who have already lost their pet could still make use of the service.

Mr Hobson explained: "The ashes do not need to be fresh. No matter how long ago the pet was cremated, you can still bring their ashes out and have a Lifegem created."