A funeral business has grown following investment.

Ives and Shand, owned by the Douch Family Group, has seen growth following investment in its Parkstone branch.

It has benefited from a ceremony room that was installed several years ago.

This space is not only used for funerals and wakes but has also become a popular spot for community groups.

The branch's growing demand has led to staff from other branches assisting funeral director Marcella McDonagh and manager Debbie Brown.

This includes funeral director Kerry Crowson, office administrator Jedda Hunt, and funeral support manager Helen Dean.

Debbie Brown, who also manages the group's Ferndown branch, AE Jolliffe & Son, said: "Ives & Shand has been here for a long time and it is growing.

"The new staff are working between two branches which means we can offer an even better service.

"The ceremony room is where people can have a cost-effective funeral and wake in the same place, but it is also available for community groups and others who might need the space."

Managing director Nick Douch said: "The community is making great use of the ceremony room and it has meant we have been able to grow and take on new team members."