Couple are first to tie knot at Stafford Register Office

Every bride likes to make sure there's a 'something old, something new' element to her wedding.

And for Karen Endena it was the wedding venue itself that provided the 'new' aspect.

The 41-year-old and her groom James Atkinson were delighted to be the first couple to tie the knot at the new Stafford Register Office in Tipping Street on Saturday.

Dressmaker Karen, from Stafford, said: "We were told when we booked in March that we might be the first, which was a nice surprise. I went down to take a look at it and was really impressed. The room is lovely - new but with a 70s' twist to it."

Engineer James, 32, said: "I like modern, and it's great to be a part of Stafford history."

The couple, who have been together for nearly 10 years, have an eight-year-old daughter Olivia who was one of three bridesmaids.

James proposed on film at the end of a 40th birthday video for Karen, put together by friends and family.

She lectures in dress-making at Stafford College but did not wear one of her own creations on her big day.

"It's bad luck to make your own wedding dress," she said.