SHAMED staff members of a Chester funeral parlour have been suspended after photos revealed them stripped to their underwear.

Bosses at George Pettit and Son Funeral Directors were horrified to learn this week how employees cavorted at a Christmas party, some dressed only in thongs and fetish wear.

The images show staff members boozing and performing strip routines, like those performed in comedy film The Full Monty, while leaning against a hearse parked inside the Delamere Street premises.

Some employees can be seen partying and embracing in parts of the building close to the chapel of rest.

The family firm, owned by Co-op Funeralcare, could not confirm whether or not bodies were being held inside the building at the time of the party, which took place on Christmas Eve 2008.

An internal investigation has been launched to identify the culprits after the pictures were splashed across the pages of the Sunday tabloid, The People. A decision on whether to sack those responsible will be forthcoming.

Despite the clear photographs, a spokesman for the funeral directors could not confirm whether the employees belonged to George Pettit and Son.

He said: “We were appalled to learn of this incident and will never tolerate this kind of behaviour from our employees. Based on the evidence we have seen, it is not possible to say whether all the people involved are employed by us.

“We have launched an immediate investigation into the allegations and have already suspended a number of employees.

“This was an isolated incident. We will take all the necessary steps to ensure our funeral home’s historic good reputation is maintained.

“We will not hesitate to take serious disciplinary action where necessary.”

George Pettit and Son is a member company of the National Association of Funeral Directors, which has declined to comment.