The county's coroner service has received a prestigious award - for a third year in a row.

Hertfordshire Coroner Service passed an annual inspection with flying colours and retained the internationally-recognised ISO 9001 standard, which was first granted two years ago.

Hertfordshire's coroner, Edward Thomas, said: “The quality management system ensures that full and thorough investigations are conducted into all matters referred to me.

“All members of the team work hard to ensure that high standards are maintained and I am pleased that this continues to be recognised."

The service, which is based at the Old Courthouse in Hatfield, handles around 3200 referrals and 400 inquests a year.

The past five years has seen improved communication with bereaved families, better partnership working with other agencies, such as the police, and more efficient office practices.

County Councillor Richard Smith, executive member for community safety, said: "Hertfordshire's coroner service is the only one in the country to have received such recognition, which is the result of the fine work of its staff. They should be proud of their achievement."

Michelle Brinkley, head of coroner and citizenship services, added: "I am very proud of the service. The team has done extremely well to meet this challenge once again and the ISO process has been a valuable experience for us all.

“It has given us a framework to continually review the way we do things and to constantly aim to improve the service received by HM Coroner, bereaved people and the local community as a whole."