FOREST funeral director Ernest Heal and Sons has been named the best funeral planner in the region at this year’s funeral planner of the year awards.

The Broadwell-based firm, which incorporates Gordon Blake Funeral Director and Collier and Brian Funeral Directors, has won the award for the fourth year in a row they have achieved this award. 

Hosted at the Vale Resort near Cardiff by the BBC’s Sian Lloyd, the awards, sponsored by leading funeral plan provider Golden Charter, mark the biggest annual gathering of independent funeral directors in the UK.

In addition to the award itself, a framed certificate and cash prize, the Woodland Trust has dedicated trees on behalf of Ernest Heal and Sons which are to be planted locally in recognition of the company’s achievement.

Golden Charter’s chief executive, Ronnie Wayte, said: “This award is well earned proof that Ernest Heal and Sons has reached a remarkable standard.”