Some 50 per cent of Britons are afraid of dying, according to the findings of a new study by faith-based think tank Theos.

In a poll of more than 1,000 adults on death and dying, 20 per cent admitted to fearing the way they would die as well as death itself. Thirty per cent said that they feared the way they would die but not death itself, while 25 per cent claimed to fear neither death nor the way they would die.

Meanwhile, 42 per cent of respondents believed the death of cancer stricken Big Brother star Jade Goody had been helpful in making people think about death.

The highest proportion of those fearful of dying and the way they would die was to be found among 18 to 24-year-olds, 26 per cent compared with a national average of 20 per cent.

The 18 to 24-year-old age group was also the least likely to want a Christian funeral - 20 per cent compared with a national average of 37 per cent – although it was more likely to want a religious but not Christian funeral, nine per cent compared with a national average of four per cent.

Older people were more likely to turn to their faith in matters related to death, with 42 per cent of people aged 65 and over stating that their religious faith helps them to deal with the death of a loved one and prepare for their own death compared with only 23 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds.

Theos Director Paul Woolley said the findings indicated a need to discuss death more.

"This research offers a useful insight into public attitudes regarding a highly personal and emotive subject,” he said.

"The different attitudes about death between age groups are especially striking. The fact that we are fearful of dying suggests we need to discuss it more.

"The proportion of people fearing death in society could be explained by the breakdown of an overarching religious narrative in the culture. It might also have something to do with the lack of experience people have in dealing with death."