Ref. 30124-14A Highworth firm of funeral directors has won a Best Funeral Directors Award from the Natural Death Centre in London.

G & L Evans in Newburgh Place opened only eight months ago, and husband and wife owners Geoff and Lesley Evans say they are delighted to have been recognised for their commitment and professionalism.

"We're absolutely thrilled to bits," said Mr Evans. "To know that we were nominated by one of our clients is wonderful.

"The judges presented us with the award because of the care and compassion we show our clients, and because of our expertise and knowledge on a range of services from 'green' burials to DIY funerals."

Geoff and Lesley opened their first branch in Faringdon in 2002. They now have plans to open a further two branches.

According to the Natural Death Centre: "In making these awards, the editorial team relied on their own surveys and investigations and on feedback to the Natural Death Centre from the general public, so as to decide which services were the most helpful, the most innovative and the best value."