A LOCHGELLY business successfully collected a major accolade on Sunday.

At the Fife Retail Awards John Gilfillan Funeral Directors, in Bank Street, collected the Best Professional Service Provider 'recognising the best in business'.

They faced opposition from five other organisations including three other funeral businesses.

Nominated were Moo Let, Fords Daly Legal, Gibsons of Tayport, Alex Little Funeral Directors and Ian Johnston Funeral Directors.

John Gilfillan Funeral Directors were chosen as the winners through a system which involved public voting, a mystery shopping inquiry and business reviews.

On Sunday evening, at a glitzy ceremony at Keavil House Hotel, Crossford, the Lochgelly business received their accolade.

It now qualifies the Bank Street operation, run by the former Co-op funeral director, for the Scottish finals when they will join 11 other regional winners at a the big event in Glasgow.

John described it as a really humbling success: "The team here is privileged to serve the communities of Cardenden, Lochgelly, Benarty and Cowdenbeath with total dedication, providing, at a time of great stress for families, the most comforting support that is needed.

"I am always inspired by our clients who are almost the most respectful of people at a very difficult time in their lives.

"Our staff always want to go that extra mile to ensure that when they need it families get the most comforting of support."

Cardenden man John added: "The other nominees provide first class services in their fields as well and it was really nice to win this award."

This award follows on John Gilfillan Funeral Directors winning the Funeral Planner of the Year gong in the autumn.