Douch Family Funeral Directors has appointed two new staff for its AE Jolliffe & Son branch in Ferndown.

Leanne Adimi is a senior funeral director and community engagement officer and Helen Dean is an office administrator.

Leanne, who previously worked for the business in the 1990s, will also be working for the Ives & Shand branch in Parkstone. She took time out to have a family and complete a degree and has also worked on a self-employed basis.

Leanne said: “It’s great to be back working for the Douch family and to see how far the company has come. The facilities in Ferndown and Parkstone are superb and I will be making sure they are utilised for community groups. Being an active part of the community is something that is very important for the business and I’ll be striving to ensure the branches are fully involved.”

Helen added: “Previously I worked in the alarms and access control sector where I learned a great deal about working with the elderly which is helpful for this role. I have always wanted to work in the funeral sector and am pleased that I have a role with such a friendly, forward-looking group.”

Nick Douch, managing director of the group, said: “Leanne and Helen are great appointments for us".

“Both come with lots of practical and sector experience and being local they know the area well. Recruiting the right people is so important in our business because first impressions count more than they do elsewhere.”