IT was probably the wedding of the year at St Nicholas Church, Guisborough, on November 9 when the church’s music director, Chris Nixon married his sweetheart, Deborah Reddy.

Family, guests, friends and parishioners filled the church to overflowing for the ceremony, conducted by the Rector of St Nicholas, Revd. Alison Phillipson.

Since coming to St Nicholas Church, Mr Nixon has not only continued to develop the choir but also established a small orchestra, as well as overseeing the acquisition of a new Magnus organ to replace the old pipe organ.

He has also been instrumental in developing ceremonies for special occasions in the church.

After the ceremony, guests flocked outside to see the happy couple doused in confetti and pose for pictures before retreating into the church for a glass of Prosecco.

However, any departure for a honeymoon was delayed to enable Mr Nixon to provide the music for the Remembrance Day ceremonies, not only on the following Sunday but also for Guisborough primary school ceremonies on the Tuesday.

Mr Nixon has also overseen the establishment of a music festival for primary schools in Redcar and Cleveland, held each autumn at St Nicholas Church, attracting hundreds of children to perform their songs in the church.