SOMERSET funeral director Quantock Funeral Services has been named the top funeral planner in the UK and Ireland at this year’s Funeral Planner of the Year Awards, run by funeral plan provider Golden Charter.

Hosted by writer, broadcaster and former MP Gyles Brandreth, the ceremony took place in central London on Saturday evening and highlighted the achievements of independent funeral directors throughout the UK and Ireland.

Quantock Funeral Services company director Corrinne Foster said: “We are so proud of this achievement. We have worked so hard to try and bring affordable funerals to the community so to win the regional award was fantastic but when they called our name as the national funeral plan winners it was just so emotional.

“We are a small family business with just myself and my husband Matt doing the best we can for the families of Taunton and Somerset and to be told we are the best in the whole country at what we do is just so amazing.”

Suzanne Grahame, chief executive of Golden Charter, said: “We’re delighted to recognise the outstanding service the team from Quantock Funeral Services delivers for the communities of Taunton, Taunton Deane and the surrounding Quantock villages.

“The dedication independent funeral directors show their families is truly humbling, providing calm, assured expert advice when they need it most.”

“Congratulations to Corrinne and Matt on their incredible achievement.”

In addition to the Funeral Planner of the Year accolade, the Woodland Trust has dedicated a quarter of an acre of woodland on behalf of Quantock Funeral Services, which are to be planted locally at Henlade Wood, Somerset, in recognition of the company’s win.