By Brian Gomm A DOUBLE wedding with a real civic flavour proved a crowd-stopper in Leigh.

When larger-than-life local politician Brian Jarvis married Barbara Gregson, they tied the knot together with their friends Peter Bowdler and Audrey Lyons last Friday afternoon at Leigh Town Hall.

Former Wigan Council colleague Mark Hale and Helen Matthews were witnesses for Barbara and Brian, with Peter choosing Alderman Lawrence Birtles and Audrey selecting her twin sister Doreen to be their representatives.

Coun Jarvis and Mr Bowdler worked together at the David Brown factory in Leigh and with the local Labour party. They also serve on Leigh town centre management and risk management groups.

After the ceremony, a two-stage reception was held at Eastleigh Labour Club - which attracted a room full of guests including leading politicians Leigh MP Andy Burnham and Lord Peter Smith, local dignitaries and the couples' family and friends.

Afterwards, four-times married Coun Jarvis joked: "You could say it's my fourth term of office!

"Politics and marriage don't mix - it's extremely difficult to get an understanding partner to support and accept what comes with the job. That is why a lot of politicians' relationships end-up in divorce.

"This is my fourth marriage - but I've made the right choice this time. Barbara is very supportive of my political work."

Mr and Mrs Bowdler said afterwards: "It was overwhelming, we didn't realise we had so many friends. We'd like to thank them all."

The following day, the Jarvises got a visit from Mayor John Hilton to compliment a memorable event,

They said: "We really do appreciate the trouble everyone went to and thank them all."