READING best men- you've got a lot of expectation on your shoulders. 

Jonathan Shildrick, from Reading, has been named as the South East’s Best Best Man by stag and hen travel agent, Red7, and is now in the running to be crowned the nation’s finest.

Each Best Man had to prove he had gone the extra mile, a test which Jonathan passed with flying colours.

Jonathan assembled a group of friends from across the country for groom Rich Hoit’s stag do.

He organised all elements of the weekend in Prague, from a private bar for the group to personalised beanie hats for all attendees.

This feat was made all the more impressive given that, while organising the stag celebrations, Jonathan was also dealing with the sudden passing away of his brother.

The judges were looking for a Best Man who showed himself to have a host of gentlemanly qualities, from diplomacy to loyalty, as well as a fun and entertaining edge, which Jonathan displayed in abundance.

Alongside this, he was chosen as the South East’s Best Best Man based on those moments where he went above and beyond for the groom, Rich, as well as glowing feedback from the man himself.

Rich said: “Jonathan is an amazing guy, who pulled off amazing organisation for the wedding and speech. He is my best friend of 28 years and an absolute legend. Nobody deserves this more than him.”

Jonathan narrowly pipped London-based Louis Aslam, to the title. Louis wowed judges with his enthusiasm for the role from the off – jumping on stage with a local Elvis tribute act to dedicate a song to the bride and groom upon being asked to be Best Man.

Jonathan is one of just seven vying for the title of Britain’s Best Best Man.

Britain’s Best Best Man will be crowned on 22 September.