A YORK funeral director has revealed how much the livestreaming of funerals has soared since the pandemic began.

Hayley Owen said the online streaming of services at York Crematorium for mourners unable to attend in person did happen before the pandemic, but not nearly as much as now.

"It was used in about five per cent of the funerals we arranged, often when relatives or friends lived overseas," she said.

"Since Covid, though, that figure has risen to about 70 per cent. When the number of mourners is so limited because of all the restrictions, it means families and friends can still watch the service as it happens, and feel part of it. We're glad this technology exists."

She said the crematorium charged £45 for its webcast service, with services captured by a discreet camera at the back of the chapel and viewers watching online in real time via a secure website, with those unable to view the livestream able to watch a recording of the ceremony later.

The Press understands that some funerals at churches and cemeteries are now involving livestreaming, as other firms are stepping in and filming services.