MORE than one million pieces of junk mail get sent to people who have died in Essex each year. A new county-wide survey has discovered that 1.3 million leaflets, special offers and other types of junk mail get sent to people who have died, causing unneces

MORE than one million pieces of junk mail get sent to people who have died in Essex each year.

A new county-wide survey has discovered that 1.3 million leaflets, special offers and other types of junk mail get sent to people who have died, causing unnecessary distress and grief to friends and relatives left behind.

Now, the Bereavement Register is hoping to eliminate this unnecessary suffering with a free service that removes names and addresses of people who have died from companies' mailing lists, telemarketing files and databases.

Mark Roy, founder of the register, said: "Receiving mail for a deceased loved one is exceptionally hard and distressing at anytime, but having to cope with this around memorable dates and anniversaries is even harder, bringing back memories and stirring emotions.

"The Bereavement Register can be one step towards eliminating this unnecessary distress."

Many people are plagued by the amount of junk mail they receive - in Essex alone there was more than 130 million pieces that were sent to residents last year - but when the mail is addressed to a deceased loved one, it can be especially painful.

The survey has discovered that on average, 80 pieces of junk mail will be sent out to a deceased person in the year following their death.

This equates to about two pieces a week and a constant reminder to the people left behind.

"Coming to terms with the loss of a loved one takes time and you will want to remember the good times with fondness and not be bombarded with direct mail sent to someone who has recently passed away.

"Mail of this kind serves no purpose and we can help to put an end to those sad reminders," added Mr Roy.

Members of the public can register a relative who has recently died by visiting www.the-bereavement-register.org.uk or by calling the helpline on 08706 007222.

The service was originally launched in the UK in 2000 and has since expanded into France and Canada.

It also offers advice to businesses about how they can prevent themselves from mailing dead people.

Last year a total of 5.4 billion items of junk mail was sent to UK households.