The team, based at St Helens Crematorium and Cemetery in Windle ward, was once again recognised among the very best in the country for providing bereavement support for families, and their network of services available to all.

The Cemetery of the Year Awards Competition is designed to improve standards within burial grounds and encourage best practice with information and support from leading burial authority organisations.

On a visit to congratulate the Bereavement Services team on winning their third Silver Award, Councillor Andy Bowden, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Climate Change, said: 

“St Helens Crematorium and Cemetery is one of our most important assets, where generations have come together to remember their loved ones. 

“The team’s fourth consecutive Silver Award is testament to the amazing officers who show real professionalism and care for those they work with. We mustn’t forget the dedicated volunteers in the Friends of St Helens Cemetery, with whose support we maintain the cemetery’s best in class standards.  

“The outstanding service we provide to families is now matched by a modern crematorium, thanks to the £3.4 million investment by the council and a truly transformative renovation project.”

Philip Potts of the Memorial Awareness Board said:  

“The awards are an excellent opportunity to reward hard-working staff and demonstrate the central role cemeteries can play in the community. They provide places of peaceful contemplation and beauty, as well as their ecological importance. 

“The team at St Helens Cemetery performed exceptionally throughout the extensive judging period which is focused on Industry Standards, Environmental Issues and Good Practice.”