A KEIGHLEY funeral directors is a finalist in a coveted regional business awards scheme.

Gallagher Family Funeral Directors has been shortlisted in two categories of the Yorkshire & Humberside Family Business Awards.

It is amongst the contenders in the Business Services and People's Choice sections.

All the finalists in the awards programme, which this year attracted record entries, will now be visited by a panel of judges.

And winners will be announced at a presentation evening at the Majestic Hotel, Harrogate, on November 10.

The ceremony is being co-hosted by Dave Clarkson and Sue Howorth, of awards organiser The Family Business Community, and food and drink writer and presenter Nigel Barden.

Gallagher Family Funeral Directors, which this year is marking its 30th anniversary, said it was delighted to be a finalist.

Sam Gallagher, junior funeral director, says: "We’re absolutely delighted and overwhelmed to have been shortlisted for regional awards in our 30th year serving our community.

"Our team has worked incredibly hard this year. Our role is unique and this recognition is a testament to the team's passion and commitment in making a positive difference to the grieving families that have entrusted us to care for their loved ones.

"We’ll be waving the flag for Keighley in what’s set to be a great evening."

Ms Howorth, co-founder and director of the awards, says: "With over double the entries from last year, we burned the midnight oil to get through them as they came in right up to the wire. The judges had extremely difficult decisions to make so the finalists should be extremely proud of themselves!"

And fellow director Mr Clarkson said: "A huge 'thank you' goes to everyone who invested time filling in application forms. We were absolutely blown away by the strength and diversity and attention to detail in the applications."

And the standard of entries won praise from judging day host, Leeds-based Sagars.

Spokesperson Joel Topham said: "The number and quality of entries from across the region was outstanding.

"The entrants are clearly proud to be family businesses. And the detail in many of the entries demonstrated that those businesses are progressive and innovative."

Awards will be handed out across more than a dozen categories, including Agribusiness; Best Social Impact; Business Services; Construction, Property & Engineering; Emerging Family Business; Employee of the Year; Food & Drink Establishments; Food & Drink Producers; Haulage Transport & Logistics; Leisure & Tourism; Manufacturing; Large Retailers & E-tailers; Small Retailers & E-tailers; Wholesalers, and People's Choice, which is decided by the public.