Dead Thrifty!

Tamworth Herald. By Andrew Parker

Mike Spends £500 on a tombstone to beat inflation

Poet Mike Brassington has splashed out on a tombstone - because he is dead scared of inflation.

Mike, 48, paid £500 to have a lump of Lakeland rock cut into a replica of bard William Wordsworth's headstone. 

But he reckons the same piece would set wife Pauline back thousands if he goes on for another 30 years.

Morbid Mike, who has had two poetry volumes published, is keeping the cherished four feet by three feet slab stored in his garage.

During the nice weather he even lays it on his lawn so he can visualise his final resting place.

Mike, of Harlaston, Staffs, said: "People think I'm potty, but it makes good business sense. Its going up in value all the time."

He added: "My latest book of poems is called A Head of Our Time and that's how I want to stay."

Advertising agency boss Mike hit upon the idea after visiting Wordsworth's grave in the Lake District.