Ludlow Town Council is delighted to announce that Louis Fensome, of L. Fensome Grave Digging, has been named one of four national finalists for Gravedigger of the Year at the Good Funeral Awards 2026.

Louis, who works across more than 100 cemeteries in Shropshire, Herefordshire and the Black Country, provides gravedigging services for Ludlow Town Council at Henley Road Cemetery. His nomination was made by Ludlow Town Council in recognition of the standard of work he carries out at the cemetery.

Louis began his career in the funeral profession at just 17, working as a mortuary and funeral assistant at Perry & Phillips Funeral Directors, gaining experience in coffin making, mortuary care and pallbearing. In 2019, Louis became self-employed and has since built a family-run gravedigging service, with his father subsequently joining the business.

Whether working in difficult weather, within tight timescales or in challenging conditions, Louis approaches his work with care and attention to detail. His role at Henley Road Cemetery requires graves to be prepared to the required standard and within the arrangements and timescales established for each burial.

Ludlow Town Council's Cemetery Officer, Charlotte Ambrazas, said:

“Louis consistently demonstrates care, precision and attention to detail in his work at Henley Road Cemetery. Graves are prepared carefully and respectfully, and he works reliably to the required standards and timescales. His work contributes to ensuring that burials can take place with dignity and respect.”

Louis’s dedication to the profession also extends beyond his day-to-day work. In recent years he has supported his own family through moments of loss, personally preparing his aunt’s grave and leading the cortège at his grandmother’s funeral.

His selection as one of four national finalists recognises the work he carries out within the funeral profession and the service he provides across the region.

Ludlow Town Council congratulates Louis on reaching the national final and wishes him well at the Good Funeral Awards ceremony.