LOVED-up couples in the borough can be among the first in the country to enjoy a sand ceremony at their wedding or civil partnership.

The personalised sand ceremony service option will be launched at the borough's grade-II listed register offices at Priory Hall in Dudley and the Thomas Robinson Building in Stourbridge.

It is believed they are the first register offices in the country to offer this service, which is rapidly growing in popularity.

The sand ceremony sees the newly-married couple pour different coloured sand into a frame to create a keepsake to symbolise the merging of two people into a blended pair. Children of the couple can also take part in the ritual, showing the coming together of families.

Councillor Judy Foster, deputy leader of Dudley Council, said: "Adding the option of a sand ceremony to our wedding and civil partnership packages gives loved ones a touching reminder of the vows they made on the day.

"It is a visual representation of the happy couple uniting in marriage or of two families combining into one. This romantic touch can be organised by the registrars, allowing the nearly-weds to relax and enjoy the day.”

To see how the ceremony works, a registration office wedding open day will take place on March 2.