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 one month ahead of schedule because his condition was worsening.

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

They have had consultations with fertility experts at Newcastle's Centre for Life and hope she will soon conceive a baby from sperm frozen before he underwent intensive 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.''

Miss Smith, originally from Donwell, Washington, arrived a few minutes before the groom in a white Austin Princess car and decided to have a swift half in the pub opposite.

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 Miss Smith said; ''It was brilliant, it is going perfectly.

''It was the same as any other wedding, we are in love and everyone get emotional." The groom's mother Gillian, a 48-year-old care home worker added: ''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 didn't 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 Miss Smith's sister Toni.

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