NOT even the deadly Sars virus could prevent one-bride-to-be's dream wedding in the North-East village where she was raised.

Anne Bainbridge and fiance Timothy Stevens flew to England, from Hong Kong, two weeks earlier than planned to prevent the bug ruining their big day.

The couple, who both work in Hong Kong, made a quick getaway from the Far East where Sars - severe acute respiratory syndrome - originated.

The pneumonia-like illness has now killed more than 160 people worldwide.

The couple were concerned that flights out of Hong Kong and China would be cancelled and that they would not make it to Anne's home village of Eggleston, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, to be married.

When Timothy, 35, proposed to Anne, 36, while on holiday in South Africa last October, there was no question where they would marry.

Her family has a strong history in Eggleston - parents David and Rhona are the fourth generation of Bainbridges to run the village shop and post office.

Anne's eldest sister, Jeanette, said: "She wanted to marry in Eggleston Methodist Chapel. Our family has worshipped there for as long as we can remember. The last wedding there was mine, seven years ago.

"We were quite panicky, with the threat of quarantine or flights being grounded. Fortunately, Anne and Tim were able to get here early as a precaution."

The couple were joined by about 100 friends and relatives for Saturday's service and they are currently honeymooning in Cuba before returning to their home in The New Territories in two weeks.