MINEHEAD’S Kurt Luty has been awarded the British Institute of Funeral Directors Diploma Award for achieving the highest grade in the country.

Kurt, of independent family company Hedley Price Funeral Directors Ltd, began studying for the diploma in 2016 and sat the exams, which he passed with honours, in March this year.

As a result of his performance, he becomes one of only a handful of people to receive the institute’s prestigious award.

Company director Jane Disney said:”We are all really proud of Kurt’s achievement and very pleased to have him working with us as one of our team of qualified funeral directors.”

The diploma and award were presented to Kurt by British Institute of Funeral Directors president Alan Puxley, at its national conference at Beaulieu Motor Museum.

“I was so proud to present Kurt with his diploma, with honours, at my conference,” said Alan.

“The British Institute of Funeral Directors has the highest award in funeral directing, the Diploma in Funeral Service, which is accredited by Greenwich University.”