A PRACTICAL joker is throwing a funeral party for himself.

David Greig decided to hold his own wake after becoming concerned none of his friends would survive to see him off.

The 83-year-old former fusilier belongs to several different ex-service organisations and recently found himself attending lots of funerals.

He said: "I am on the countdown myself, so I have decided to have my wake while I am still here. If I'm paying for it, I want to be there in person, not spirit."

Mr Greig, who claims to have attended five funerals in one day, says during a busy spell, he has been to at least two a week.

In preparation for his wake, which will be held at the United Services' Club, in Sidcup, on June 24, the father-of-two, has sent out more than 100 invitations and has had around 50 confirmations already.

The widower, of Gillmans Road, Orpington, took part in the Normandy Landings and has been a member of the British Red Cross for more than 40 years.

After being demobbed, he trained as a barber and ran his own business in Lewisham, where unsuspecting customers were treated to whoopee cushions and other practical jokes.

The grandfather-of-three, whose wife Elsie died in 1977, puts his own longevity down to good food, exercise and being happy in life.

He added: "You know, I once heard a rumour I had died. I still consider myself super-fit, but with all these people dying I'm worried I'm going to be the last one to go and when I pop off, there will be no-one there.

"I want to be there myself, so that's what I am doing. None of my friends were surprised. They all think it's hilarious.

"They are going to turn up and say oh you old bugger, are you still here?'"