A Ross-On-Wye firm is the first memorial mason's in the county to receive BRAMM Business accreditation.

Ursells of Ross, in Cantilupe Road, is also celebrating the success of two of its craftsmen.

Simon Gumbrell and Adrian Puchta have achieved the highly coveted BRAMM Fixer Licence (BFL).

BRAMM, the British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons' remit is to ensure that any company listed with it works to the highest standards in all their dealings with the bereaved.

A company on the register must also have the correct insurance cover, risk assessment documentation, health and safety policies etc in place to protect employees and customers in line with legislation.

Ursells is a family business that has been established since 1885 - one of the country's oldest memorial masons.

The BFL is highly coveted and will become vital for any company wishing to carry out work in most cemeteries nationwide as all local authorities are introducing regulations which will only allow masons with a BFL to erect memorials within their cemeteries in line with new health and safety legislation.

Simon and Adrian Puchta achieved the qualification after in-depth training and studying the of the National Association of Memorial Masons (NAMM) Code of Working Practice which lays down the standards and specifications of how memorials should be constructed.

There were also practical and written examinations - making them among only a few nationwide to hold the licence.

Managing director, Simon Morgan said: "We are extremely proud of our men. This qualification is similar to Corgi Registration for gas fitters and, in the same way, the same quality assurance can now be expected in respect to memorials being erected in cemeteries and churchyards.

"The sensitive nature of our business makes it imperative that this work is carried out to the highest possible standards and the BRAMM Business Accreditation confirms our commitment to quality assurance."