An Alsatian dog proved he really was man's best friend, by donning a bow-tie and acting as best man at his owners' wedding.

The three and a half-year-old dog called Barney was given special permission to take part in the registry office wedding of Mick Balmer and Lynne Ferguson on Saturday.

What started off as a family joke resulted in the much loved pet playing an important part in their wedding day.

Mr Balmer, of Riddlesden, explained: "Barney is both of ours -- he's a family pet. It started off because we didn't want to leave him in the car outside.

"So we asked permission to let him into the registry office at Settle and said he had to come in as he was acting as my best man!

"It was a very informal wedding and Barney was kitted out in a bow-tie and allowed up at the front. He's a very placid dog and most of the guests already knew him. My son presented the rings to us in the ceremony."

The newly married couple, the family's five children and guests then enjoyed a meal at The Fountaine Inn, at Linton.

Barney also accompanied the wedding party on honeymoon -- a week in Anglesey and Derbyshire. Mr Balmer added: "Lynne and I have been together for four years and we have really been looking forward to the wedding.

"Barney hasn't had to worry too much about his speech. But every time the postman arrives he's been getting in a fair bit of practice!"

Mr Balmer -- a head of year at Parkside School, Cullingworth, and a member of the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association -- is the youngest son of the late Sarah Ellen and Edward Balmer.

Lynne -- who works as an administrator at Ingrow Primary School -- is the only daughter of Peter Shackleton and Elaine Bottomley.

The bride wore a full-length ivory satin dress and carried a bouquet of cream roses and purple freesias.

Bridesmaid was Jenna Leigh Wilkinson (bride's daughter), and groomsman was Edward James Balmer (bridegroom's son).