Pictured above: Pughs Managing Director Peter Forrest (left) celebrates the award shortlisting with Topsy Penn and Paul O'Brien

A Shropshire funeral director has been recognised for its dedication to the local community.

Pughs of Shrewsbury was shortlisted as a finalist in the Business in the Community category at this year's Shropshire Business Awards.

And despite narrowly missing out on the top award, the company says the recognition was a welcome addition to its proud history.

Managing director, Peter Forrest, said: "Our company was established in 1890, and has been based in the county town for four generations. We are wholly committed to putting something back into the Shropshire community which has been so important to our business for so many years.

"And to be shortlisted for such a prestigious award was a wonderful tribute to the hard work and commitment shown by all our staff in supporting so many local organisations and causes."

Peter said their award entry had detailed all the contributions the company and its staff made to community events and groups.

"We support local events including music and arts festivals, showjumping classes at agricultural shows, sponsor flower beds around the town to support the Britain in Bloom initiative, and give financial backing to many more local initiatives such as church magazines and event guides.

"We also sponsor a display garden every year at the renowned Shrewsbury Flower Show, and then ensure it is painstakingly replanted for the benefit of a local good cause, such as a hospice."

Pughs also support Shropshire County Schools Football Association, and sponsor podcasts along the route of the Shropshire Way, a popular walking trail.

"Our team is also very proud to be an integral part of a training programme for local doctor's surgeries and hospitals, and to work with organisations across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, to develop emergency planning procedures in case of a pandemic or major disaster."

"To have received such high profile praise at this year's Shropshire Business Awards is a real honour, and we'll be continuing to strive towards an even better result next year."

The Shropshire Business Awards were held at The International Centre, Telford, and more than 600 people from across the county came together to recognise the very best in business in the area.

As well as Business in the Community, categories included Company of the Year, Outstanding Customer Service, Technology Enterprise and Innovation, Green Business, Best New Sustainable Business, International Trade through Export, Apprentice of the Year, Managing Change, and Tourism and Leisure.