POLITICS took second place to love when council heads tied the knot in the first wedding at Rochdale Town Hall.

Love blossomed for Mayor of Whitworth Eileen Kershaw and acting town clerk Ron Pickup after he was appointed to sort out the turmoil left when former clerk Gerry Taylor disappeared at the same time as £140,000 from the town council's budget.

Since then they worked closely together. He became her consort when she became Mayor last year.

"He's the first man I've ever known who is a good dancer," said Eileen.

Friendship developed after they spent Christmas apart and Ron admitted to Eileen that he missed her.

She said: "He's not noted for being a romantic, but that comment was a turning point."

Yesterday family and friends, Eileen's county council colleagues and even her opponent in the forthcoming county election, Jimmy Grogan, were at the wedding.

Eileen's children, TV and radio presenters Liz and Andy, played a starring role with Andy giving his mother away and Liz being matron of honour.

Ron's son Alan was best man.

After the reception Eileen held her mayoral ball at Rochdale Town Hall which was attended by dignitaries from other boroughs.

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