FUNERALS at a crematorium in Tendring are to be broadcast via the internet.

Mourners who cannot attend Weeley Crematorium will be able to watch a loved one’s funeral, following the installation of new £1,600 equipment.

For a fee of £50, the funeral will be webcast to all those unable to attend the service, who can log on using a unique PIN.

Tendring Council said it believes its crematorium is one of the first in the area to offer the service.

Lynda McWilliams, portfolio holder for the environment, said it can be distressing if a family member or close friend is unable to attend a funeral.

“By using webcasting they can at least follow the service from afar,” she said.

“It could be of particular comfort for anyone who is living abroad and is unable to return to the UK, or is not well enough to get to the crematorium.”

Tendring Council said families who request to use the facility will be given the PIN to access the website, and it will be up to them who they give the number to.

By entering the PIN they will be able to watch the service as it takes place, or up to seven days afterwards.

The widow of district councillor Charlie Sambridge, whose funeral was held at the crematorium in August, said she welcomed the idea.

Pam Sambridge, of Burrs Road, Great Clacton, said: “I think it is a very good idea.

“We have family in Australia who were unable to come to the funeral. It is an emotional time for people, but they have the choice if they want to watch it.

“My elderly mother was unable to make it to the crematorium, but if she could have watched it on a computer, that would have been lovely.”

Tendring Council said the one-off £50 fee would cover all those who wanted to watch the funeral, and that it could be copied onto a DVD for an additional £20. The webcasting facility is expected to start on November 1.