NEWCASTLE UNITED goalkeeper Shay Given made the catch of his life when he married his sweetheart, at the weekend.

The Irish star ensured that his long-term girlfriend Jane Cunningham did not slip from his grasp as they tied the knot in Hexham, Northumberland.

Given's team-mates from Newcastle United and the Republic of Ireland turned out in force for the wedding of the popular 25-year-old.

Fans thronged outside St Mary's RC Church in an attempt to catch a glimpse of the happy couple.

But burly minders hired by a glossy magazine did their best to narrow the angle for any other photographers trying to get in a shot of the keeper and his bride.

Given - full name Seamus John Given - threw a reception for 500 guests at Slaley Hall Hotel, near Hexham, following the two-hour service on Saturday.

Among the guests were Newcastle's Warren Barton and Robert Lee, and Sunderland's Niall Quinn, a team-mate in the national squad.

Alan Shearer arrived at the church with wife, Lainya, still smiling broadly after being awarded the OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List,

Everton's Steve Watson and Eire team manager Mick McCarthy also swelled the congregation.

Dozens of members of the 6ft 1in-tall goalkeeper's family flew over from his home town of Lifford, in County Donegal, to help him celebrate the big day.