SWINDON funeral director Pearce Funeral Services has been shortlisted for an award at this year’s Funeral Planner of the Year Awards.

Taking place on September 15 at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, the annual event celebrating the achievements of independent funeral directors will be hosted by Scottish radio broadcaster and journalist Ken Bruce.

John Pearce of Pearce Funeral Services said: "As a local family funeral service we pride ourselves on the high standards of service and care we aim to achieve with every family we come into contact with.

"This includes meeting families at their time of need or providing the best service possible when arranging a funeral plan for the future.

“It was with this in mind that we offer a full 100 per cent guarantee on funeral directors’ fees and on third party fees for cremation and interment fees for burial when arranging a funeral plan, regardless of how long in the future that may be. This is one of the areas that make us stand out from others.

“We are very proud and honoured to have been nominated for this award by Golden Charter, a funeral planning provider that is also owned and managed within the independent funeral sector."

As well as being shortlisted for the regional Funeral Planner of the Year accolade for the West of England region, Pearce Funeral Services is also in with the chance of winning funding towards advertising, a staff celebration and a dedication of trees from the Woodland Trust.

Suzanne Grahame, Golden Charter’s chief executive, said: “Since joining the company, I have been humbled by the dedication our full network of independent funeral directors show to their families.

"This nomination demonstrates the excellent service the team from Pearce Funeral Services has delivered to their local community, by helping individuals through the funeral plan process and supporting families when they need it the most. We look forward to celebrating with Pearce Funeral Services as we host our 25th awards ceremony.”