A physical education lecturer who last year won a national teaching award has been nominated for another – but this time as a funeral celebrant.

Last year, Rachel Bown won the Pearson National Further Education Lecturer of the Year Award for her work as a part-time PE lecturer at Fairfield College in Dilton Marsh.

Rachel, 53, who grew up in Chippenham and lives in Trowbridge, has now been nominated for her work as a part-time funeral celebrant.

She said: “This year, most amazingly I’ve been nominated for the Association of Green Funeral Directors ‘National Celebrant of the Year Award’.

“I don’t know who nominated me or why. I am quite overwhelmed because what I do is a privilege and so to be recognised is quite humbling.” 

“I just want to help people at what is such a difficult time and make it just a little easier for them.”

She is among 26 people nominated for the AGFD award and the only one in the South West.

Rachel works closely with FW Jones Funeral Directors in Chippenham and CS Bowyers Funeral Directors in Bradford on Avon and Trowbridge.

She creates bespoke and inclusive funerals for people from all walks of life who do not necessarily want to follow a traditional religious route.