The price of "cryogenic technology" designed to preserve human bodies is falling by half every 18 months, said Mark Hall, founder of Stem Protect, Britain's first "stem cell bank."

If current trends continue, having your body frozen and reawakened in 250 years could cost less than being buried in a traditional ceremony.

Hall said: "We're accustomed to making jokes about freezing heads when we die and of course everyone knows Walt Disney did it — often that's their only point of reference.

"But soon we could see this practice becoming commonplace because advances in technology have made it much more affordable."

"And of course, while we're not at the point yet where we can bring someone back to life from this procedure, we believe it's just around the corner."

Hall works for a stem cell bank that stores the blank cells scientists use to recreate all kinds of tissue.

Stem cells are used for research and combating the effects of disease.

Stem Protect does not offer human cryogenics but uses the same technology to preserve 125,000 samples of stem cells for 75,000 families.

Hall based his prediction on an economic principle which suggests that all technology prices fall by half every 18 months.