Calendar coffin is big hit

Here's a 'dead' sexy idea for a Christmas gift.

An Italian firm of undertakers has unveiled its 2008 calendar - featuring glamour models draped over its range of coffins.

The calendar shows women in sexy underwear posing with caskets, which can be ordered from the Cofanifunebri undertakers in Rome.

Owner Maurizio Matteucci defended the calendar - on sale at his firm's outlets for around $14 USD - which has caused outrage in the Catholic country.

He said: "It is good marketing but it is also but also a way to play down such a serious subject and to smile.

"Coffins are consumer goods like any other things, so I sell in the same way as any other consumer goods are sold. The calendar is very popular."
He added: "The idea was to be provocative.

"The calendar has now become a kind of must-have."

His firm brought out the first calendar five years ago - but it could only be seen on their website. Because of the demand, they decided to print them.