A family-run funeral company in Oldham which has been campaigning for a "postbox to heaven" has received recognition for its compassion.

Harold P. Heywood in Failsworth and Wild & Brierley and T Collins in Oldham and Lees are funeral companies which are run by the same family.

Now, the family have been awarded a prestigious accolade having won the "most compassionate funeral services provider 2023" for Greater Manchester in the SME News Northern Enterprise Awards.

In a post online, the company said: "This is testament to the hard work and dedication our team put in to providing the highest quality care and service to each and every family."

The Oldham Times: Michael Lindup said the postbox would bring comfort to grieving familiesMichael Lindup said the postbox would bring comfort to grieving families (Image: Michael Lindup)

The news comes as Michael Lindup, the funeral director and manager of Harold P. Heywood, sparked a campaign earlier this year to install a postbox at a cemetery in Oldham.

The idea is based on a postbox that was set up at Gedling Crematorium by a nine-year-old girl in Nottingham so that the youngster could send a 'letter to heaven' to her late grandparents.

Michael wants to see Matilda Handy's vision rolled out across the country, starting with Hollinwood Cemetery so that Oldhamers can post letters and cards to their lost loved ones.

However, while the former councillor and cabinet member for neighbourhoods, Hannah Roberts, said at the time that Oldham Council was "looking into the possibility of installing a postbox" in the borough, progress appears to have stalled.

The council has been approached for comment.