TWO businesses are celebrating after being recognised for their services and winning top prizes at the Good Funeral awards.

Wiltshire was the only county to bag two trophies at the awards ceremony in Kent last week, when they went to GoSimply Funerals, based in Whitley, and West Wiltshire Crematorium in Semington.

GoSimply Funerals was presented with the award for national Green Funeral Directors of the Year, for their commitment to being plastic free, as well as purchasing an electric hearsette and giving a percentage of their profits to Trillion Trees to offset climate change.

West Wilts Crematorium staff have been recognised for their customer service and providing a meaningful experience for all their families at a difficult time. They were named Crematorium of the Year.

Angela Ward, co-director of Go Simply Funerals, said: “We are absolutely delighted to win this award recognising our business as the UK’s foremost Green Funeral director as it reflects not only the ethos of GoSimply Funerals but our own personal standpoint.

“We truly believe that the most pressing issue that faces humanity right now is the protection of out beautiful planet and for us this doesn’t just mean recycling more, flying less and eating more local food but can also be reflected in the choices we make for our funerals such as less plastic, fewer chemicals, less waste and perhaps a little more emphasis on quality of care and bespoke personal ceremonies.

“We’re really proud to create funerals that don’t cost the earth.”

West Wiltshire Crematorium, operated by The Westerleigh Group, hosts funerals from across north and west Wiltshire. Since it opened 1996 it has carried out over 39,000 funeral services.

Crematorium manager Shaun Chapman-Young works with staff Elizabeth Phippard and Roz Browne.

Mr Chapman-Young said: “I feel extremely honoured that West Wiltshire Crematorium has received this award, which is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the people who work here.

“We truly care that every service goes smoothly, that mourners feel that they have given their loved one a fitting send off, and that our buildings and memorial gardens are well looked after. I am so pleased that our efforts have been rewarded in this way.”