A FATHER and son team of internet entrepreneurs is hoping to bring other families closer together with the launch of a new online service.

Adrian and James West-Sadler from Dyfed, Wales, have set up LivingPhotoAlbums.com.

The idea is that, for a fee, you can store private photographs, documents and so on on a secure server which can then be accessed by relatives around the world -- if you give them permission to do so.

People with permission can also make amendments and additions to the site.

James West-Sadler said the service could be used by those interested in genealogy and family history.

"It allows the members to build an extensive family tree, which can be searched and indexed," he said.

James and Adrian have worked with solicitors to ensure the service meets the UK's data protection laws and promise that and data held in a living photo album can only be accessed by the "keyholder" -- the person who initially signs up for the service -- and anyone they have given permission to.

The cost of setting up an album starts at £70 plus VAT but it would be a useful service if you had friends and family scattered around the world.

It's safer than putting pictures on a personal website (unless you put security measures in place) and the fact that other family members can contribute to the album is nice.

http://www.livingphotoalbums.com/