YOUNGSTERS have been getting into the Royal wedding spirit by staging their very own big day at church.

Little ones Freya Vollans and Elliott Meggeson stepped into the roles of couple of the moment Meghan Markle and Prince Harry for the mock nuptials at St Michael's Church, in Bishop Middleham, near Sedgefield.

The reception children, from St Michael's Primary School in the village, were dropped off at the church, walked down the aisle and made the promise of friendship in front of Father Michael Thompson, staff and parents who were dressed in their best frocks.

Beth Dawson, deputy headteacher, said: "We had the nursery children as bridesmaids and page boys and we all sang the wedding march.

"It was a full ceremony and they said they were going to be really, really good friends, and then they exchanged wedding bracelets and signed a friendship register."

In the afternoon the mock bride and groom cut a wedding cake, were showered in confetti and joined in in a traditional street party in the school yard.

"Everyone has really enjoyed it," added s Dawson. "It's a nice way to celebrate the Royal wedding and get the school involved in something different and into the community spirit."

It was the first time the school's nursery, which opened last year and has places available for September, had been involved in a school church event.