New website to target stag night planners

Planning a stag party may turn out to be a chore when the guests are dotted all over the country, but a new internet business could soon bring revellers closer together.

Taking inspiration from social networking phenomenon Facebook, 40-year-old Sunderland entrepreneur Caroline Gitsham reckons she has the perfect solution for friends seeking to keep in touch.

Ms Gitsham realised when planning her 40th birthday party that existing social media sites can be great for staying connected, but are sometimes just a little too public.

As a result, she came up with her very own commercial website - My Friends Together - which allows people to run their own secure and close-knit online networking groups.

The venture, which has won financial backing from Business Link, will target those planning hen or stag nights, holidays and weddings, offering a personal space for people to organise their celebrations.

However, those taking responsibility for booking the stag weekend away should take care to avoid any potential blunders if they wish to remain in talking contact with their friends.

The Times journalist Gareth Scurlock recently admitted that he had mistakenly booked a trip to Bucharest instead of Budapest, leaving himself more than £800 out of pocket.