A West Somerset funeral director is celebrating a double helping of national recognition after being shortlisted for two sets of industry awards.

Amanda-Louise Funeral Services has been named a finalist in two categories of the Female Business Awards, as well as being shortlisted for Funeral Director of the Year in the Good Funeral Awards.

The independent business, based in Minehead, is a finalist for both Professional Services and Services to Local Communities in the Female Business Awards, which celebrate female-led businesses across the UK.

Owner and lead funeral director Amanda-Louise Knight said she was particularly pleased that the firm’s work in the community had been recognised alongside its professional services.

She said: “We are overjoyed to be recognised for these achievements in both our professional services and our community work.

“We are very proud of the social impact of our initiatives and our commitment to caring for the living, the departed and our environment.”

The business has developed a number of community initiatives, including its “Never By Yourself” and “Never Go Hungry” projects, as well as supporting women and girls in sport and environmental projects.

Amanda-Louise Funeral Services has also been shortlisted for Funeral Director of the Year at the national Good Funeral Awards for the third successive year.

The firm finished runner-up in the category last year.

Ms Knight said the recognition was particularly welcome at a time when the funeral industry had faced damaging headlines over the conduct of a small number of operators.

She added: “I’m absolutely thrilled and thankful that once again our families and colleagues in the profession have voted for us and believe in us.”

The Female Business Awards winners will be announced at a gala evening in Manchester on October 15.

The Good Funeral Awards ceremony follows on October 24 at Sindlesham Court in Berkshire.