A VILLAGE church has held the first wedding in its 93-year history.

All Saints' Church, in Hartburn Village, Stockton, was established in 1913, having previously been a school, and has only recently been licensed for weddings.

Edward Gunn, 29, and Emma Thackray, 24, both from Hartburn, became the first couple to tie the knot there last month.

Mr Gunn, who is studying to be a primary school teacher, said they chose the church as they wanted a small venue.

He said: "Not many people know that All Saints' is available, but it was perfect for us as we wanted somewhere where all our guests could mingle easily."

His bride, a teacher at The Village Primary School, in Thornaby, is also a leader of the Rainbow pack that meets at the church each week.

She said she was pleased to have made history: "Being the first couple to marry in the church makes it extra special for us.

"We were also married almost exactly a year after Edward proposed to me on a moonlit bridge in Kinlochleven - wonderfully romantic!"

Members of the local Rainbow pack and Cub Scouts treated the happy couple to a guard of honour as they left the church.

The Reverend Phillip Ashdown, the vicar who conducted the service, said: "I am delighted to have taken this first wedding at All Saints' church."