CHILDHOOD sweethearts Heather and Andrew Field chose one of the world's greatest landmarks for their wedding after seeing a bird's eye view of it years earlier.

The Yeadon couple, who met as teenagers at Benton Park School, Rawdon, were married against the spectacular backdrop of the Grand Canyon at Shoshone Point, Arizona.

A group of 21 close family members and friends jetted out to the United States for the ceremony.

But the extravagant idea for the wedding came from a 18th birthday treat.

Mrs Field, a teacher at Archbishop Cranmer C of E Primary School, Leeds, said: "After sixth form, Andrew went out to America to train as a pilot. For my 18th birthday treat, he flew me over the Grand Canyon. I was a geography student at the time, and I thought it was amazing."

When he proposed five years later, the couple did not want a traditional wedding, but were stuck for ideas - until Heather's father, Allan Summers, jokingly reminded them of the Grand Canyon.

She said: "It took a lot of organising. Everyone travelled individually, and we met up in Las Vegas. My Mum and Dad were in support, although a little bit

disappointed that it wasn't going to be for all the family."

However, the couple sent an open

invitation to any family members who wanted to fly out to the United States.

Close friend Dawn Pullien flew out to act as bridesmaid, while the groom's friend Richard Blakemore was best man, and his brother, Alistair Field, was groomsman.

But the wedding involved more than just choosing a beauty spot and booking a vicar. They had to apply not only for a licence to be married there, but also a 50-dollar permit allowing them into the private Shoshone Point area - away from the hustle and bustle of tourists.

The wedding party had to pick up a key from the Grand Canyon visitor's centre on the morning, and walk off along a dirt track to the wedding site, before the breathtaking scenery opened up before them.

The Fields believe they may be the first British couple to tie the knot there.

Mrs Field said: "The pastor, who is based at the Grand Canyon Community Church, said he had not married anyone from the UK before."

Following the August wedding they spent their honeymoon in America, and held their reception at Apperley Manor when they returned to this country.

They have not discounted moving to the United States - Mr Field, who currently works in Information Technology,

qualified as a pilot in America, but cannot fly aircraft in Britain.