THE big day finally arrived yesterday for former model Heather Mills when she married veteran rock musician Sir Paul McCartney in a village church.

Ms Mills, from Washington, on Wearside, wept tears of joy during the service, which was conducted in front of 300 guests including stars from the world of entertainment.

The wedding in San Salvator's church, Glaslough, on the estate of Castle Leslie, County Monaghan in the Republic of Ireland, took place three years after the couple met.

Not even persistent rain could dampen the spirits of the wedding party or the large crowd of people who gathered near the church to wish them well.

The couple avoided the heavy rain by heading from the castle, where they were staying, to the church under a specially-constructed covered walkway.

Several marquees were set up in the grounds of the estate to accommodate the revellers, who included relatives of Linda McCartney, the musician's first wife who died of cancer.

Last night, a spectacular firework display was taking place for the guests, including Sir Paul's children.

Sir Paul, 59, and his 34-year-old bride had shied away from publicity in the run-up to the event.

The wedding's location had been kept secret until details leaked out over the weekend.