The £30 pay-per-view funerals by webcam have been launched by Shorpe's Woodlands Crematorium.

It means those grieving will be given a unique password to access the live video anywhere in the world.

North Lincolnshire Council welcomed the system, which has been set up by Kettering-based Wesley Music.

Council cabinet member for neighbourhood and environment Councillor Len Foster said: "I'm sure it will be welcome to any family or friends who cannot attend the service of a loved one for whatever reason."

Jason Threadgold, funeral director with J Naylor Funeral Directors, said: "It's definitely a good idea. It's not always possible for people to come from foreign countries to go to funerals at short notice. I think it's a very good idea."

The Rev Cameron Martin, of St Peter's Church, at Bottesford, added: "I think it's a super idea. I think it's a wonderful idea. I think it's a way family and friends can engage with the service," he said.

Last year Southampton Crematorium launched a similar internet scheme where friends and relatives could pay £75. While critics claimed the service was macabre, funeral directors defended the system, arguing the mourners as far away as Australia and Canada were already benefiting from it.