Douch Family Funeral Directors, which has seven branches across east Dorset, has welcomed new staff members.

The team at its Lesley Shand branches in Corfe Mullen and Blandford has been bolstered by the arrivals of Tim Randle, Peter Short and Melissa Harper.

Tim is a funeral director and also a trained celebrant who conducts services.

Peter has moved from within the group to become a funeral director and Melissa has returned to the business after time out to have a family.

Also recently recruited is Josh Caldicott who is working at the AE Jolliffe & Son branch in Ferndown.

Nick Douch, managing director, said: “We have recruited some excellent staff and others within the group continue to develop their careers.

“Peter, for example, has previously worked in customer service and has been fully trained while working for us and has qualified as a funeral director.

“Melissa has returned after having a family and understands how the public-facing side of the company is so important, and we are pleased to have promoted her to office manager.

“In Tim we also have a celebrant, and we are seeing more families asking for this service, so we can now provide it from one of our own staff, making funerals easier and more cost-effective.

“Josh has eight years’ experience in the industry and we will train him further and plan to put him through his qualifications.”