PEOPLE commemorating the lives of loved ones can do so at any time during the year now that a North-East authority has installed electronic books of remembrance at two crematoria.

Saltwell and Birtley crematoria are equipped with electronic versions of the books, which can be added to at any time.

Used by hundreds of Gateshead residents every year, the Book of Remembrance is a way that local people can commemorate the lives of loved ones, but the original books are not always easy to access.

Displayed and protected in a locked glass case, the books have a page dedicated to each day of the year, and are only turned to correspond with the current date.

Visitors wanting to make additions to the book can only do so on the corresponding day every year.

Now Gateshead Council's electronic books are in place, visitors can choose their preferred date at any time of year, whether it be to coincide with the anniversary of a person's death, birthday or another significant event.

This can be done at any time without the need to consult crematoria staff.

Inscriptions are then prepared by professional calligraphers and added to the main book.