A TERMINALLY ill teenager has married the woman he hopes will carry his test-tube baby.

Leukaemia sufferer Martin Black and Susan Smith, both 19, held an emotional service in front of 100 family and friends a month ahead of schedule because his condition was worsening.

The couple kissed and posed for photographers outside Gateshead Civic Centre, Tyne and Wear, after the 30-minute ceremony yesterday afternoon.

They have had consultations with fertility experts at Newcastle's Centre for Life and hope Mrs Black will soon conceive a baby from sperm frozen before Mr Black underwent chemotherapy.

Mr Black, from Felling, Gateshead, said: ''She looked gorgeous and I am very happy.

''Everything is going ahead very well with the baby and I am very pleased."

Mrs Black, from Donwell, Washington, arrived a few minutes before the groom in a white Austin Princess car.

Mr Black had hoped to walk to the ceremony, but his condition has left him unable to stand and he was in a wheelchair throughout.

Afterwards Mrs Black said; ''It was brilliant, it is going perfectly.

''It was the same as any other wedding, we are in love and everyone got emotional."

Mr Black's mother, Gillian, a 48-year-old care home worker said: ''I have had a few tears today, but I have had to fight them back.

''Martin looked absolutely gorgeous and so does Sue and all her bridesmaids.

''We did not think we would get him here, but we did."

She added; ''It has all been a bit of a rush."

Mr Black's two sisters, Samantha, 27, and 16-year-old Stephanie, were bridesmaids, alongside Mrs Black's sister, Toni.

The couple met three years ago, shortly before he was diagnosed with leukaemia, which was in remission for 18 months, but reappeared in January.