A FAMILY funeral business has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.

Fowles Funeral Services in Winsford has been nominated for Funeral Planner of the Year - after winning the award twice in the past five years.

The awards are run by Golden Charter, one of the UK’s leading funeral plan providers.

Dave Fowles, whose family founded the business more than 250 years ago, said: "We are so proud and excited.

"It's an honour to be nominated again after winning in 2015 and 2017. We are proud to be associated with Golden Charter. There is so much bad press about funeral plans at the moment but Golden Charter really do put people first, which is what we have always tried to do as a family business for over 250 years."

Dave, the sixth generation funeral director, runs the business with his parents Geoff and Carole and sister Lesley. Craig Murray and Jason Whelan are also members of the team.

The firm is the town's only independent funeral service.

"What makes us special is that because we are a family we know what families need," said Dave. "We always treat people like our family."

The award ceremony at the Royal Lancaster London, overlooking Hyde Park, is an annual event that celebrates the achievements of independent funeral directors.

Suzanne Grahame, Golden Charter’s chief executive, said: “Independent funeral directors’ dedication to the families they serve is inspiring and these awards highlight that dedication across our UK-wide network of Independents.

“Being nominated shows the excellent service the team from Fowles Funeral Services has delivered to the local community, helping families through the funeral plan process and supporting them when they need it the most. We are all looking forward to a night celebrating that tireless work.”

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The Funeral Planner of the Year awards will mark the biggest annual gathering of independent funeral directors in the UK who make up a majority of the funeral profession.