FUNERALS in Harrogate will soon be broadcast live on the internet for people who cannot attend.

Harrogate Council will set the pricing for its new service at Stonefall Cemetery and Crematorium, which allows people to view funerals through a secure portal if the deceased's family has consented.

The plan is set to be approved on Tuesday and could generate about £1,500 a year.

The webcasting service will cost £30; or £45 if the recording is available for 28 days; or £50 for it to be broadcast live and a DVD made. The council will also offer to create a photographic tribute set to music for a payment of £70.

In a report, prepared for Cllr Paraskos bereavement service manager Stephen Hemsworth wrote: “Increasingly Bereavement Services is receiving requests for additional services to provide additional memories for families attending memorial ceremonies as well as providing opportunities for those who cannot physically attend to pay their respects.

“Bereavement Services has the technical infrastructure in place to provide these enhanced service to mourners and we are seeking to implement these enhanced services to supplement those already provided.”

Mr Hemsworth added: “[We want] to improve the overall experience for mourners visiting Stonefall for a service, with the addition of monitors to display images, the option to do webcasts and recording of the service for people who cannot attend due to distance or illness.

“These additional items are all chargeable and will generate an additional income stream of approximately £1.5k per annum.”