NORTH Yorkshire has come joint top in the country for the number of civil marriages performed in the county, official figures have revealed.

In a study of England's 34 counties, North Yorkshire and Cheshire share first place with four civil marriages per 1,000 population.

The figures released by the Office of National Statistics also reveal a five per cent increase in civil weddings in the county during the four years to April last year.

Nationally, the figures rose by less than two per cent.

It looks like this year could be even better because the number of civil weddings at register offices and venues licensed for weddings has risen again.

North Yorkshire County Council's executive member for business and community services, Councillor John Dennis, said: "These figures are no surprise as we have put a lot of effort into marketing North Yorkshire as a top wedding venue.

"We are well aware of the problems which have affected rural communities in recent years. So, by attracting couples to get married here, we can play our part in helping the county to recover."

More information about getting married and a list of licensed venues and register offices is available on the www.northyorks.gov.uk website, or by calling (01423) 506949.