A FIRM of local funeral directors has won a national award for providing 'invaluable' services to grieving families.

Port Glasgow Funeral Services, owned by Allan Mcghee and Alistair Thomas, took the title of best newcomer at the Golden Charter Funeral Planner of the Year 2019 awards.

Staff say they are very pleased at the accolade.

Alistair said: “We were absolutely delighted to discover that we had been nominated in the top three within the UK and Ireland.

“It was a phenomenal feeling when we were announced as the winners."

The presentation was made by broadcaster and former MP Gyles Brandreth at a ceremony in London.

Alistair said: “The presentation of this award to our company showcases the high standards at which we operate for clients looking to purchase a funeral plan.

“We will continue to uphold the highest standards of care for our community and strive to maintain our position with regard to business excellence and one of the UK’s leading independent funeral plans.”

The company credit the win to the support of the local community.

Allan said: “When we started it was our intention to provide the town and surrounding area with the choice of a totally independent funeral director after the sale of the only other independent to a multi-national company.

“The support and encouragement we received from the community allowed us to establish ourselves and grow quite quickly.

“The trust placed in us was inspiring and to assist families at a time of great need is, in itself, very humbling.

“Many of these families have in fact used our services on more than one occasion."

Jim Auld, national president of the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Director, has congratulated the company on their win.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted for them.

"They provide a first-class service to local families.”

Suzanne Grahame, chief executive of Golden Charter, added: “We’re delighted to recognise the invaluable service the team from Port Glasgow Funeral Services delivers for the local community.

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