A MARRIAGE guidance course at York Register Office is set to be rolled out across the country.

The Government-funded scheme aims to prevent marriage break-ups, while giving couples the chance to discover what has made their relationships work.

Now, register offices across the country are planning similar projects in a bid to reduce divorce rates.

FOCCUS - Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding and Skills - was introduced in York three years ago, and is run by charity workers from Family Matters York.

The course involves a confidential questionnaire, which is computer-analysed to highlight the strengths and weaknesses in their relationship.

Couples are also given the chance to meet up with married couples to discuss how to deal with any potential problems they may encounter after the wedding.

This year's target of 65 couples undertaking the course for the 12 months up until the end of this month is expected to be exceeded, and the figure for the next financial year is hoped to top 120.

Updated: 08:44 Tuesday, March 29, 2005