IT might not seem like the most romantic of venues, but for one North-East couple the National Glass Centre on Wearside will always be associated with the happiest day of their lives.

Andrew and Michele Wakes became the first people to be married at the popular attraction after it was granted a special licence which allowed weddings to be performed in the giant glass house in Sunderland.

The unconventional couple, who live in Ashbrook, Sunderland, decided to have the ceremony there after visiting the centre last year.

Michele explained: "Andy and I both went to architectural school and both still work in that field so we thought it would be a fitting venue.

"We saw a model of the Glass Centre before it was built and thought it looked exciting architecturally and liked it when we first came to visit.

"We were having a meal there and the waiter told us they could perform weddings in the centre so we thought it would be a unique experience.

"The ceremony went really well and everyone seemed to have a good time so I'm glad we had it here.