IT was a great day for dozens of couples who visited Dore Abbey to remember the place where they were married.

For the longest wed it was 53 years - for a pair of honeymooners only three weeks.

But for all 90 people in the congregation there were happy memories, Sunday sunshine, wedding cake, plenty of wine and a galaxy of beautiful flowers.

"It was a wonderful day, and went much better than just according to plan," said church warden Jean Griffiths.

She was largely responsible for checking the records and inviting as many people as possible to a service at the beautiful abbey where they had been married.

One couple came from London, others from different parts of the country and they all enjoyed a serious/funny sermon from the Rev James Butterworth, who spoke of the implications and sanctity of marriage.

Mrs Griffiths said it was a wonderful occasion, but a 'one off' for Dore Abbey. She hoped other churches in the country would follow the example.

The event was well worthwhile, she said.