Portishead based funeral director F H Halliday & Son donated £1,000 to firefighters at the Portishead station.

The family run business raised the funds from generous donations from customers and a cappella group the Pill Owls at a memorial evening in December, as well as a contribution from the company.

The representative of the company, James Marsh, presented the cheque to the Fire Fighters Charity, an organisation that supports serving and retired members of the UK's fire service both during and post-service.

Mr. James said: "Every year as the festive season approaches we hold an event with the Pill Owls singers at our High Street offices and invite members of the community to join us."

He also mentioned the event was particularly catered towards those who may have lost a loved one and are experiencing loneliness during the holidays.

He added: "That time of year can be really difficult for people who have lost someone close, especially if they live alone and so we offer a social occasion while inviting people to hang a star on our Christmas tree in memory of a loved one.

"It’s a very special evening which allows us to maintain contact with our customers and allows them to share time with others who may be in similar circumstances to themselves."

F H Halliday has been serving the Portishead community for more than 140 years.