BRIDES in Pocklington can now say their vows on the Internet as East Yorkshire leads the way in webcam weddings.

Relatives and friends who cannot make it to a wedding no longer need to worry. Thanks to Internet technology, weddings in East Yorkshire can now be broadcast live on the information superhighway so guests can witness the special day without ever leaving their computer screens.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council was the first authority in the North to offer the web camera facilities at its register offices. And the authority was the first in the country to provide a webcam in all of its marriage rooms.

The service is available at Pocklington registration office and also at Goole, Bridlington and Beverley.

Superintendent Registrar Patricia Mann, said: "The web cams have proved to be very popular, and people are now no longer disappointed as relatives or friends who might not be able to make it to the actual wedding can be there for them.

"The service shows the local authority's commitment to improving the registration service, making it one of the best in the country."

But registration offices in York and North Yorkshire are lagging behind. Neither City of York Council or North Yorkshire County Council offer a webcam service at present, although both are considering it for the future.

Robin Mair, head of registration services for North Yorkshire, said: "We are looking at it. It is something we hope to achieve."

Updated: 11:16 Friday, August 01, 2003