ACTRESS Jill Halfpenny brought her home city to a standstill when she married at the weekend.

Jill and husband Craig Conway, who have been together for five years, shunned the extravagance of mansions in the countryside and exclusive magazine deals to tie the knot in a traditional wedding in St Andrew's Church, Newcastle.

They turned down magazine deals for their wedding photos, opting instead to pose for well-wishers outside the church.

Large crowds gathered outside as the couple exchanged vows inside, and they got a big cheer as they stepped out into the churchyard.

Clutching a bouquet of white orchids, Jill wore an ivory, satin empire-line dress, encrusted in simple pearl detail and finished with gold peep-toe heels, while a smiling Craig strolled alongside her in a navy three-piece suit, complete with a black cravat.

Jill's four bridesmaids looked equally stunning in floor-skimming, forest green satin dresses.

Craig was not content with one best man, so he had three, including his close pal, actor and film-maker Phil Hoffman.

Phil said: "The wedding was lovely, really lovely.

"Everyone is having a fantastic day - it's a really big, family day for them."

The happy couple were watched by about 100 of their close friends and family, and they were also joined by Jill's pregnant Waterloo Road co-star Angela Griffin, who was there with her husband, Jason Milligan.

Craig said: "We are the two happiest people in Newcastle today, and it's just great to be back home."