A CREMATORIUM in Worcestershire has been named the best in the country.
The Vale Crematorium, near Evesham, won Crematorium of the Year at the national Good Funeral Awards 2026.
The awards ceremony took place in Berkshire and recognised excellence across the funeral sector, with The Vale taking home one of 24 honours on the night.
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Catherine Linfield, manager of The Vale Crematorium, said: “I feel honoured and privileged to work at what is now, officially, the best crematorium in the country.
HONOURED: Staff at The Vale Crematorium receiving their award. (Image: The Vale Crematorium)
“Winning this award is a huge testament to the outstanding commitment, care and dedication demonstrated every single day by the professional team working alongside me here.
“We are all passionate about what we do, and to have that recognised by winning a top award really is a very special feeling.”
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The Vale Crematorium is part of the Westerleigh Group, one of the UK’s largest independent owners and operators of crematoria and cemeteries, with 42 sites in England, Scotland and Wales.
WINNERS: Catherine Linfield, manager of The Vale Crematorium, alongside Matthew Brook. (Image: The Vale Crematorium)
All Westerleigh locations are set within landscaped gardens of remembrance and are designed to offer peaceful spaces for reflection, supported by care from staff.
The Good Funeral Awards are run by the Association of Green Funeral Directors to recognise and celebrate excellence, dedication and innovation.
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Debbie Smith, CEO of Westerleigh Group, said: “We are so proud to once again have one of our crematoria named the best in the UK.
“We continually strive to put bereaved families at the heart of everything we do to deliver exceptional levels of care when it matters the most.
“Winning this prestigious award is an endorsement of our commitment to upholding the highest standards of care for the families we serve.
“I would like to congratulate Catherine and the team at The Vale Crematorium for this amazing achievement and wish to thank our industry partners for the nomination.”