Mourners to pay virtual respects

Webcams are being installed at a crematorium in Hull so people who are unable to travel to a funeral can pay their respects online.

Mourners will be given an access code so they can watch services at Chanterlands Crematorium in real time from anywhere in the world.

Hull City Council said the move was part of a refurbishment of the chapels designed to enhance services.

It said it got the idea after seeing people filming funerals on camcorders.

Mike Anderson from the council's bereavement services said: "There will be web-cams installed at each of the chapels and the people who actually want to watch will be issued with a code to access the service, obviously ensuring privacy and security.

"In the past we have had people who have used camcorders to record the service for members of the family who've emigrated or are ill.

"Obviously the beauty of this system will be that it's in real time."