Westerleigh Group is celebrating after being shortlisted as finalists in several categories for the prestigious 2022 Good Funeral Awards.

Westerleigh’s Wessex Vale Crematorium in Hampshire is being given the chance to defend its title of Crematorium Of The Year, having won the honour in the 2021 awards.

But it is up against some top competition, including another Westerleigh facility, New Forest Crematorium – also in Hampshire - which opened earlier this year.

Meanwhile Lucy Derrick, who works as Memorial Advisor at West Wiltshire Crematorium, has been named as a shortlisted finalist in the Most Promising Newcomer To The Trade category.

Distinct Cremations, which was set up by Westerleigh Group in 2021, is a shortlisted finalist in the Direct Cremation Provider category.

The winners will be announced on 24 September, when a number of other awards will be presented in several categories for which shortlists are not announced in advance.

Westerleigh Group is the UK’s largest independent owner and operator of crematoria and cemeteries, with 37 sites in England, Scotland and Wales, all set within beautifully-landscaped gardens of remembrance which provide pleasant, peaceful places for people to visit and reflect.

The Good Funeral Awards are run by the Association of Green Funeral Directors (AGFD).

Earlier this year, Westerleigh Group announced that it was to be the headline sponsor at this year’s awards, which reinforces its commitment to continually review and improve its activities, the products it uses and services it offers in order to reduce the impact on the environment.

Westerleigh Group’s Chief Executive Officer Debbie Smith said: “We have an ethos of being a good neighbour, not only to the communities we serve, but also the environment, as we seek clearner and greener ways to operate.

“We are delighted to be partnering with the AGFD in sponsoring this year’s awards to help raise awareness of this important topic for our industry.

“Of course, the best way to help raise awareness is to practice what you preach, so I was thrilled to learn that we have been shortlisted as finalists in several categories.

“Having two of our sites shortlisted as Crematorium Of The Year – including the reigning title holder – is a testament to the efforts we are making to provide cleaner, greener, exceptional levels of care and service.

“While it is extremely gratifying to be recognised for our work, and it’s a fitting tribute to our dedicated teams, whether we win any titles or not, we will continue to be completely committed to providing facilities, exceptional care and services which are as kind as possible to the environment.”

To find out more about Westerleigh Group, visit their stand at the AGFD exhibition on Saturday 24 September between 10am and 4pm at the Crazy Bear, Stadhampton, OX44 7UR.