FRENCH swimmer Gilles Madelenat has a love of Ilkley and did not think twice about inviting his English friends to pop across the Channel for his wedding to Sophie Darrigade.

For Gilles is a familiar face to Ilkley's swimming community. He has been a regular visitor to Ilkley as part of the Coutances Swimming Club, the town being Ilkley's 'twin' in France.

Sheila Paget, former social secretary of Ilkley Swimming Club, was delighted to accept Gilles's invitation to the wedding in Coutances Cathedral.

She said: "It was a lovely occasion. I think he and Sophie will be very happy."

Gilles first started coming to Ilkley more than 20 years ago, with the Coutances Swimming Club, of which his father, Jean-Paul, has been the president for many years.

Gilles is now the water polo coach to the French Army team and Sophie teaches gymnastics.

Mrs Paget said: "There was a pre-wedding dinner on the Friday night for about 100 guests. The civil ceremony was held in the Mairie on Saturday at 2.30pm and then the whole party walked across to the cathedral for the religious ceremony."

Mrs Paget said Gilles was very popular in Ilkley and swimmers past and present would be delighted with his good news.

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