The dream turned into reality for the Bury Times Bride of the Year when she walked down the aisle on Saturday (Sept 25).

Months of meticulous planning paid off for Deborah Coldridge who married her fiancee, Colin Barber, at St Thomas's Church three years after they met at a local nightclub.

The 28-year-old office worker was chosen by our readers as the winner of the coveted Bride of the Year title earlier this year.

Deborah of Robertson Street, Radcliffe, described her wedding as the happiest day of her life.

"I was not really nervous about it. I was more excited than anything," said Deborah.

"I was counting down the minutes till the big day. It was a perfect day that I will always remember."

As well as the title, Deborah won champagne and flowers courtesy of the Bury Times, £500 dress from Bliss of Bolton, a pearl-necklace from Lepps in Bury, £100 balloon vouchers from Cheerz, a beauty voucher from Spring Elysium and a £300 wedding cake from Slattery's.

She also won beauty treatment from Academy Beauty, a framed portrait from Parr Lane Studios, hairstyles for both the bride and bridegroom, a wedding car voucher from Classic Daimler, six-months membership to Classic World Fitness and the use of a Buick Electra Convertible from Barry Sansome.

"Winning the Bride of the Year competition made a huge difference as we would have struggled to get all the luxuries," admitted Deborah.

"Getting married was wonderful but having those amazing prizes was the icing on the cake. It made the whole day extra special."

Deborah and Colin, (28), pictured embracing outside the church, tied the knot in front of their family and friends before enjoying a wedding reception at the Elizabethan Suite.

Deborah wore an embroidered ivory satin dress with exquisite hand beading with a pearl and crystal tiara and a matching pearl and crystal veil.

The happy couple are now enjoying a two-week honeymoon in Cyprus.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.