"I learnt more in the mortuary than I did through all of my education.

"I learnt about the real world, how people work, how grief is processed, what happens after death - and I absolutely loved it."

Gravedigger Louis Fensome has worked in the funeral sector since the age of 17, and has now been shortlisted for a major industry award.

The 27-year-old set up his own business six years ago, and is one of four finalists in the Gravedigger of the Year category at the Good Funeral Awards, praised for his "precision and attention to detail".

Fensome, from Bridgnorth, in Shropshire, works across the county, as well as in Herefordshire and the Black Country.

He was inspired to enter the sector after attending his uncle's funeral.

"As sad as it was, I remember seeing the firm and thinking I'm looking for work, I'd love to work for these," he said.

"It was the professionalism, they had such an aura of respect about them and it just drew my interest."

Despite starting in the industry at such a young age, Fensome said he had never been fazed by death and 10 years on still had a great sense of job satisfaction.

"At the end of the day I get home and I'm like I've done well today - I've looked after somebody and given them the respect they deserve," he said.

That is not to say the work is easy for him and his one full-time employee.

Many graveyards are too small for a digger and they have to rely on a pair of shovels and a tape measure.

"There's a lot of times where I'll be halfway up the Clee Hill or in Ludlow, digging with a jackhammer and it's -1C, it's sleeting sideways, my hands are numb," he added.

"The work is there, but the work is hard."

Fensome said he dug about 300 graves a year and regularly commuted up to 90 minutes away from his home, including to Heath Town and Codsall, near Wolverhampton, as the demand for grave diggers was so high.

The UK's Gravedigger of the Year is set to be revealed at the Good Funeral Awards on 24 October.

Fensome, nominated by Ludlow Town Council, said it felt "really good" to be shortlisted for the award and it was "nice that there is a little bit of recognition".

Whether he is ultimately named the winner or not, Fensome said he would look forward to the night either way.

"I take great joy in my job, it's an honour to do what I do," he added.

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