Updated

Funeral directors in Germany are catering to gay customers by launching specially-designed coffins.

The casket's exterior features images of nearly naked men, inside customers can find a series of luxurious plush designer interiors, reports Orange News.

The makers Mike Konigsfeld and Tom Brandl have lived together for more than 10 years in Cologne, Germany and told the paper the images of muscular young men in classical poses are the perfect way to send off a loved one.

"Naturally there were some people who threw their hands up in horror when we had them on display in the window but they are tasteful and beautiful - like our customers," Konigsfeld told the paper.

"People are cutting back in the recession but the one group of consumers who still have high spending power are gay couples and very few people are designing for them in this market," Konigsfeld said.

Click here for more on this story from Orange News.