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Five places in London to have bodies embalmed.

Embalming essentially means the withdrawal of blood from the system and the substitution of preserving fluids to retard decay.

Internal organs may also be removed and replaced with packing material.

Embalming is done when a cadaver is being sent abroad; domestic embalming usually takes place when the body is to be displayed.

Ballard Funerals, 308 Old Brompton Road SW5 (071-370 6271) Mon-Fri 9am-5pm: pounds 55 for domestic embalming and for transport overseas.

A France & Son, 45 Lamb's Conduit St WC1 (071-405 4901) Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-1pm: pounds 50 for domestic embalming, pounds 65-pounds 70 for transport overseas.

E M Kendall, 46 Dalston Lane E8 (071-254 6519) Mon-Fri, 7.30am-5pm: pounds 35 for domestic embalming, pounds 50 for transport overseas.

Leverton & Sons Ltd, 212 Eversholt St NW1 (071-387 6075) Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm: pounds 55 for domestic embalming and for transport overseas.

W G Miller, 93-95 Essex Road N1 (071-226 3886) Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm: pounds 80 for domestic embalming and for transport overseas.