Facebook has introduced the idea of heirs and legacy contacts in the UK, meaning you are now able to choose who you want to control your account when you die.

This heir will be able to download the data and change the profile picture, cover photo and write one last post. They can also accept friend requests if you wish to keep your page open as a memorial.

"Facebook is a place to share and connect with friends and family. For many of us, it's also a place to remember and honour those we've lost," said Vanessa Callison-Burch, product manager at Facebook.

"When a person passes away, their account can become a memorial of their life, friendships and experiences." To activate the new feature, users can go to settings, then security and choose legacy contact. They will then be able to nominate a person to manage their account in the event of death. The nominated heir will then receive a message saying you have chosen them. Alternatively, you can request that Facebook closes down your account when you die, so no one will be able to view it.

The function will allow users to appoint a page manager to look after their profile following their death, while they can also choose whether to have message posted announcing their passing.