RAMS fans will be able to leave a lasting legacy at the club long after their final whistle has blown – by having their ashes scattered inside Pride Park Stadium.

Derby County have teamed up with Midlands Co-operative Funeral Services to offer a range of Rams-themed funerals.

Dedicated supporters who take up one of the club's packages will be able to have their coffin decorated with the Rams badge or draped in the club's flag.

One package will also allow fans to have their cremated remains scattered at the side of the Pride Park pitch.

Lifelong Rams fan Alan Cooke, a season ticket holder for the past three years, said the offer would capture the imagination of fans.

The 50-year-old, of Oakwood, said: "I don't think planning a funeral is something a lot of Rams supporters will have thought too much about.

"But I think it could really catch on – we have amazing support at Derby County, I'd say among the best in the country, and this will give people a chance to get behind the team even when it's physically impossible.

"Having your ashes scattered in the stadium will probably become a popular thing but I don't know what the players would say if they've got to run around on the pitch afterwards."

Thom Davidson, from Melbourne, said: "I know a lot of supporters who would love to have their ashes scattered at the pitchside.

"You never know – we might start going on game-winning runs if we've got the spirits of hundreds of fans on the pitch as well."

Derby County president Tom Glick said the idea came after the club received a number of inquiries about Rams-themed funerals.

He said: "We receive a number of requests relating to funerals throughout the year and we hope that by announcing this partnership we can help in any way possible during what can be a very difficult time when a loved one passes away.

"We are delighted to announce this new partnership with Midlands Co-operative Funeral Services with whom we look forward to working closely."

Paul Webb, general manager at Midlands Co-op Funeral Services, said: "We hope to provide families with a fitting tribute to mark the passing away of a loved one who had a real passion for the club."