With a history spanning almost 130 years since it was established in 1893, independent family funeral directors Northcott Brothers is truly embedded in Sidmouth and the local community.

And championing our local, independent businesses is one of the things we do best at Sidmouth Nub News, so we have partnered with the funeral directors and it will be part of our Obituaries section.

From humble beginnings in Sidmouth, in 2013 brothers Peter and Edward Northcott decided to join forces with fourth-generation family funeral directors A.J. Wakely & Sons, founded in Beaminster more than 100 years ago and now serving communities across Dorset, Devon, and Somerset.

Northcott Brothers is now managed by Simon Wakely, and supported by Andrea, a dedicated funeral director.

Simon, grandson of founder Jack Wakely, also manages the main Bridport branch. He said: "My grandfather was a builder and undertaker in Beaminster, when father, David, came to the business, they moved to Bridport by taking on Northover and Gilbert [removals company and funeral directors] in the early 1960s."

Jack and his son, David, expanded the business to Lyme Regis and Crewkerne before opening in Chard, Ilminster and Yeovil. Simon's uncle, Clive, joined the team, which led to further expansion.

Simon and Clive have worked together on the opening of Sherborne, Sidmouth, Axminster and Wincanton, and quite recently South Petherton.

Simon said: "We embrace all the traditional aspects of funerals and we embrace all the new ideas, such as direct to the cremation, that go along with funerals now and the changes that have taken place.

"People want to celebrate life and I think that's how things have changed; they want to celebrate life as much as mourn a life.

"When someone walks through the door, they tell us what they want and we're here to accommodate everything they want, but give good advice and support to make it happen in the best way it can for them."

Simon highlights that many things have changed in regards to funerals since he became a funeral director.

"I have been in the business now for 27 years and I have seen a huge change from when I first came in," he added.

"People seem more open to talk about funerals and prepayment. I think in the last 10 to 15 years, one of the biggest changes I have seen in this industry is prepayment. People want to talk about their funeral and plan it, and in some cases pay for it.

"I can see the benefits to families. If you've given your family that guidance about what you want for a funeral it can help them in decision making. Many don't want their family to worry about paying for the funeral - it is obviously a difficult time for families, whether they plan ahead or not, we are here to help.

"If there was one message I could send out to anyone planning a funeral, I would always recommend them going to see their local funeral director to get it done properly."

To find out more about Northcott Brothers, part of the A.J. Wakely & Sons group, visit ajwakely.com

You can find the latest local obituaries on the Sidmouth Nub News Obituaries page.