A FAMILY run Whitchurch monumental mason has officially joined the industry's governing body.

Richard Yates & Son Monumental Mason is based in the town and has joined the British Register of Accredited Monumental Masons.

The company was founded in 2005 by Richard Yates, who has worked in the industry since 1966, and his son Peter joined the family business in 2016.

Peter called it a privilege to be able to join.

He added: "It is quite a privilege, there are quite stringent rules to get in there.

"It is really nice to honour my father's work really.

"He has been doing this since 1960 and he has just gone about things himself.

"It is nice to be recognised."

Joining the group was Peter's idea and he said joining the group enabled the group be recognised.

He explained: "It definitely helps because it gives customers that reassurance.

"We are doing things the right way and recognised for it.

"That is what I like about the most really because it is that recognition that you are doing it right."

Most of the company's business is in Whitchurch and nearby but Peter said families who move away from Whitchurch still come to them.

He added: "I do occasionally but I don't really need to go a lot further than Whitchurch, Malpas.

"We do drive up and down the south coast, I have got one driving up to Penrith next week, we do attract a bit of business for near and far.

"We find that when families move away, they still use us for their own stuff.

"Once they've used us before, they will come back to us and ask if we can help out wherever they are now."

You can get in touch with the company via yatesmemorials@gmail.com