HELPING to prepare for a loved one’s final journey has helped a Lochgelly firm to win a prestigious award for the second year in a row.

John Gilfillan Funeral Directors, based in Bank Street, was named the best small size funeral planner in Scotland at the Funeral Planner of the Year Awards.

The awards, held in the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh on Saturday, bring together the biggest annual gathering of independent funeral directors in the UK.

John said: “It’s a nice achievement and a great accolade for the staff too. That’s two years running we’ve won the award and I’m very grateful to the people of places like Lochgelly, Ballingry, Cowdenbeath and Lochore for putting their trust in us.

“It’s a privilege to be the funeral director for the local community, they are very dear to my heart, and it’s a privilege to be asked to look after their loved ones when that time comes. This award is really all down to them.”

Funeral plans have grown in popularity in recent years and the independent family firm was recognised for the excellent service they provide.

John said: “I always consider it a very thoughtful thing to do, to plan for the future and help take away that financial and emotional burden from families when that time comes.”

The awards are organised by Golden Charter and he added that he was proud to be associated with the company, stating: “Golden Charter are one of the top funeral plan providers in Britain, their service is second to none.”