AFGHAN hounds Tazi and Luca sealed their relationship by becoming "engaged" in one of the most bizarre events ever to be held in Pendle.

Now the well-groomed groom and his bride can look forward to their "wedding" in Witton Park, Blackburn, on August 8, when wearing a "dog collar" will take on a whole new meaning.

A crowd of bemused and amused shoppers witnessed the happy event yesterday in the Admiral Centre, Nelson, as Tazi's proud owner, Jil Atkinson, of Pasture Lane, Barrowford, led her down the inappropriately named catwalk to meet her partner. The two dogs lapped up the attention.

The glamorous couple met during a canine modelling session in Burnley earlier this year and according to Jil it was love at first sight.

"Afghans are not usually very amorous," explained Jil. "But when they met you could see they had fallen for one another. It's clear that Tazi adores him."

Luca, whose owner Marjorie Barber lives in Whitworth, Rossendale, "bow wowed" his bride-to-be with his long glossy hair, sparkling eyes and damp nose.

Their engagement was officially announced after a show of fashion clothing that Jil designs for dogs. Baker Bill Oddie prepared a special engagement cake for the pair, made of traditional sponge rather than dog food.

However, not everyone entered into the romantic spirit of things.

One passer-by muttered: "It's the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen."

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