THE FOUNDERS of Newport-registered wedding website The Hitching Post almost choked on their champagne and wedding cake when they realised they had won runner-up spot for best technology start-up at the Technology Wales 2003 Awards.

The Hitching Post launched its free service to wedding-planning couples six months ago.

Founder Ian Bond and his daughter Amanda Holland claim that since then the website has become the most fashionable and stress-free way to organise a wedding.

The idea is that you create your own personal wedding website within The Hitiching Post site and all your friends and family can visit using a password and see exactly what's going on and exactly what they need to do.

The site derives revenue from wedding service suppliers such as reception venues, car services, garment retailers and hirers and so on.

Because the majority of advertisers will be local, The Hitching Post concept is being franchised around Wales and the UK.

Any national advertising that the founders attract will be shared equally amongst the franchisees.

Ian Bond, who collected the runner-up trophy from BBC presenter Huw Edwards, said: "I'm thrilled The Hitching Post has won this award, the dedication and enthusiasm of the whole team has turned the business into a Welsh success story."

The Hitching Post's design and technology partner is the Cardiff-based company Imaginet.

Director Dave Taylor said: "When we were first asked to bid on this project we were very excited.

"While every client is important to us, we could tell from the beginning that The Hitching Post would be extra special.

"I'm absolutely delighted to have helped bring such a polished and innovative product to the Internet."