ONE of Berkshire's oldest funeral directors has been shortlisted for a top national award.

A.B. Walker, which has a branch in Binfield Road, Bracknell, has been nominated in the southern regional category of the Funeral Planner of the Year Awards, which is due to take place at the National Museum of Scotland, in Edinburgh, on September 15.

As well as taking home the accolade, the firm could be in with a chance of winning funding towards advertising, a staff celebration and a dedication of trees from the Woodland Trust.

Director Julian Walker, the fifth generation of his family to run the business, said: "We are at the heart of the community and delighted that the service we provide has been recognised with this nomination.

“We have seen soaring demand for funeral plans. Death is something that no-one wants to think about, and that’s natural. But for many people planning their funeral has brought peace of mind.

“Planning ahead can help to ease the financial and emotional burden on loved ones at a distressing time."