IF there's one thing in the wedding planning that's guaranteed to divide families it's the thorny problem of gifts.

The bride and groom really can only use so many toasters, and Auntie Ida's taste in glassware may leave much to be desired.

Wedding gift services operated by some stores are a real boon here. So, it's nice to report the official recognition of one store's excellent service.

Debenhams has just received a Queen's Award for Enterprise for the Wedding Service it operates in its stores. This includes the Bolton store in The Market Place where it has been a particular success.

The free innovative service involves the happy couple using a hand-held device to scan the bar code of the items they want on their list.

The information is then downloaded on to Debenhams' central system, and the list is then networked to stores across the country, a call centre and Debenhams' website.

The bride and 'groom can view their wedding list whenever they want to via the touch screen in the store, and guests can either make purchases in their local store or online.

The system works well, and Bolton store manager Nigel Stopher is understandably happy. "I'm delighted about the Award," he said, "and especially pleased for our weekly gift team of Liz, Pam, Claire and Rachel who have made such a success of the service here." Pictured here are Nigel Sopher celebrating the award with wedding gift manager Liz Ewins