COUPLES remembered the happiest day of their life at Holy Trinity Church in Cowling on Sunday with a celebration of marriage ceremony.

Parishioners who were married at the church were invited to celebrate their memorable occasion and at the same time help to raise money towards the Cowling Church's Building Restoration Appeal.

A total of £35,000 is needed to pay for repairs to the tower and other restoration work.

Margaret Henley, treasurer and fundraiser, said: "It was a really lovely do and lots of people stayed and chatted. As well as trying to fundraise it was nice to see many people having a good time and having a good laugh."

The service was conducted by Canon Richard Price and the sermon was given by Canon Simon Hoare who emphasised the importance of marriage.

Organist James Ashworth and the Cobbydale Singers provided the music and singing.

Everyone retired to St Andrew's Church Hall for a reunion and social and there was was also a competition for the longest marriage, which was won by Mabel and Charlie Thornton, who had clocked up 54 years.

There was also a competition for the most recently married couple, which was won by Tina and Chris Berry, while the category of the couple who have travelled the furthest was won by Jenny and Eric Nutter.

Meanwhile, the competition for the couple who would celebrate the next anniversary was won by Molly and Ken Pickles, who celebrated their 47th anniversary on Monday, the day after the event.

Each winner picked up a framed photograph of Cowling of four different views taken from the top of the tower.

The marriage register attracted a lot of interest and everyone appreciated a buffet provided by the congregation of Holy Trinity.

Special thanks were given to Alice Smith, Irene Cleaver and Mary Price and all the other members of Holy Trinity who helped out with the event.

In other news from the church, a coffee event is to be held at the Old Vicarage, next to Holy Trinity Church, on Thursday, between 2pm to 4pm and from 6.30pm onwards. Admission is £1.50.

On September 18 at 7.30pm there also will be a cheese and wine evening with poems.

Parishioners are also reminded that gold bags should be returned at the June 6 2004 service.