Many people in retirement may have already drawn up a will detailing how they want their assets to be passed on to their loved ones when they die.

However, according to chairman of the Institute of Professional Willwriters Paul Sharpe, too few individuals are including a charity in this document even though many members of his organisation raise the matter when clients come to them to draw up the papers..

Commenting that the figure is "disappointing", Mr Sharpe said people may need greater encouragement to donate, although the charity sector already invests time and effort on the matter because it potentially has a lot to gain.

He added "the process is easy enough" for those who do wish to donate money through their will.

When individuals do come to draw up the document they should not always go for the cheapest option, director-general of the Society of Will Writers Brian McMillan recently advised.

He noted it is important to check the credentials of any providers and do some research in advance.