JOEL KERR has become one of the youngest people to be elected to the board of a funeral standards watchdog.

Mr Kerr, who owns Joel D Kerr Funerals, in York Road, Hartlepool, has been voted on to the executive committee of the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF).

At 32, he becomes one of the youngest executive members, and also only the second funeral director from the North on the board. Mr Kerr was elected to the board of SAIF at its last annual meeting. SAIF National President Alan Smith said: "I am very pleased Joel has been recognised with this honour.

He was chosen because of his proactive approach to the profession and his interest in upholding the highest of standards."