A proposal to get rid of the traditional marriage banns in the Church of England has been rejected by the ruling body.

The General Synod narrowly voted against plans to scrap the public proclamations of a marriage.

It means the tradition of announcing your intention to marry three times in church before the wedding will continue.

All three houses of the Church's parliament rejected the proposals with 16 of 26 bishops voting no.

In the clergy 87 members voted against whilst 74 voted in favour of scrapping the banns.

In the Laity 81 voted no with 79 supporting the idea.

The Synod heard arguments in favour of the banns saying it encouraged the couple and family and friends to attend church to hear their name read out.

But others claimed they served little purpose and were a big paperwork burden for clergy.

Any couple planning to marry in a Church of England parish must have their banns read out in church for three Sundays during the three months before the wedding.