IT is the end of an era in Redcar and Cleveland, with the last of handwritten registrations and the arrival of the computer.

Since 1837, when the Registration Service was created, registrars nationwide have recorded all births, deaths and marriages by handwriting the entries in a bound register, using the obligatory black recording ink.

From Monday, the pens have been put away, and information technology has taken over.

Superintendent Registrar Margaret Raggett said: "It is a sad day for the staff at the Register Office to see the old system disappear, but we are proud to be involved in bringing the Registration Service into the 21st Century.

"To be keeping up with the times for future generations is seen as an important step. Our customers will see little change, as we have been using computers along with the handwriting system for some years."

All births, deaths and notices of marriage will still need to be registered at the Register Office.

The office in Guisborough has an appointments system for registrations on 01287-632564.