THE young bride wore an embroidered champagne gown and the groom looked smart in top hat and tails for a wedding ceremony that would have left Prince Charles and Camilla in the shadows.

St Helen Auckland Church, near Bishop Auckland, hosted its wedding of the year when pupils from Copeland Road Primary School, West Auckland, held a mock service.

Youngsters from class four took part in the staged ceremony as part of a religious education project about Christian festivals and the importance of families.

Father-of-the-bride Callum Robinson gave away Jessica Ingham to her groom, Casey Longstaff, who chose Jake Stirling as his best man.

Bridesmaids were Megan Tobbell, Sarah Hodgson, Rebecca Houghton and Elley-Jane Savage, and Nicky Ballan was the traditional chimney sweep for good luck.

The congregation of eight to ten-year-olds were all dressed in their best outfits to celebrate the happy occasion.

Teacher Joanne Young said: "It was a lovely day. The main party got to travel in a limousine, provided free by JN Limousines, of Barnard Castle, from school to church and everyone enjoyed dressing up.

"Apart from being fun, it helped teach children about marriage and the importance of family and commitment."