GLADIATOR star Russell Crowe married girlfriend Danielle Spencer in a lavish ceremony at his Australian home yesterday.

And rubbing shoulders with the glamorous guests at the sparkling event were North Yorkshire couple Peter and Anne Horsfall.

Danielle is their niece and the couple flew from their home in Nether Poppleton, near York, to join the guests at Crowe's ranch.

Making it even more of a family affair, the couple's young grand-daughters, Anna and Alec from Leeds, were bridesmaids at the big event.

Danielle, in a custom-made gown by Giorgio Armani, was driven to the ceremony in a motorcade of two black Mercedes, a black pick-up truck and two police cars, led by three motorcyclists.

Armani, also a wedding guest, had dressed the bridal party, including the groom, who was also celebrating his 39th birthday.

Danielle's elderly grandparents, Peter and Nell Horsfall, were unable to attend the wedding. To make up for the disappointment the star flew into Nether Poppleton last month to meet them.

Yesterday's nuptials capped an event-filled weekend Crowe had planned for his guests, which included a cricket match starring Australian star Shane Warne and several musical performances.

Despite the couple's efforts, reporters hired all available local helicopters and staked out the entrance to Nana Glen, Crowe's property in the lush hills near Coffs Harbour, a resort town halfway between Sydney and Brisbane.

Tents and marquees were put up to protect guests from the prying eyes of the media, and security guards stood at the ranch's entrance.

Some reports put the cost of the wedding at £384,000. It included about 80 close friends and family members, but no Hollywood stars.