Yeovil mayor Bridget Dollard Bridget was set to officially open the revamped register office at Maltravers House this morning (January 11th).

The revamp was forced by changes to marriage law, which, for example, means that both persos to be married must be interviewed separately instead of just one.

Superintendent registrar Lorna Wheatley said: "The layout for the register office in Maltravers House was very outdated, and due to the increase in birth, death and marriage registers being deposited, space was very limited and access to the records was somewhat difficult.

"In addition, there was no private office for the superintendent registrar, which meant that every time there was a wedding all of the computer equipment had to be packed up and moved into the corridor."

As work was carried out, a temporary register office was set up in the conference room of local solicitors Porter Dodson.

"We now offer civil naming ceremonies and re-affirmation of marriage vows in the register office and the layout and style fits in with the different events. We have an induction loop fitted for those with hearing difficulties.

"We also offer a personalised service with choices of the words and ring vows along with personal music choices. Brides may also wait separately from their grooms if they wish," Ms Wheatley explained.

The new facilities also have proper facilities for genealogists to store and access index books.