IT'S wedding bells at Christmas time for Beverley McAulay and Billy Lynn - and it won't be costing them a fortune!

In fact the happy couple reckon they'll save thousands, thanks to the cut-price wedding package offered by a local vicar.

The all-inclusive deal - thought to be the first of its kind in the country - relies on the skills of the congregation.

For just £750 Beverley and Billy will get: flowers, cake, wedding cars, video, photographs and and a sit-down reception meal for 50!

The Reverend Dick Cartmell of St James Church in Lower Darwen revealed his innovative scheme exclusively in the Citizen in June.

He said then: The cost of weddings is ridiculous and I'm fed up of marrying couples into debt. That's why I came up with my economical scheme."

And it's meant the couple, both 24, could tie the knot sooner than planned. Said Billy, a corporal in the Royal Logistics Corps: "It's knocked at least £2,000 off the cost and enabled us to set a date for Christmas when I'm home on leave. I think it's a great idea."

Beverley, a private with the Adjutant General Corps, added: "It's a very attractive package, but what really concerns me is the religious side of the ceremony. I have attended St James' on a regular basis and it means a lot for me to express my commitment and love for Billy in my own church."

The couple are to wed in a register office before their marriage is blessed at St James church.

And for Beverley's proud parents, Lillian and William McAulay, the cut-price deal is a huge relief.

Said Lillian, who has attended St James for 15 years: "It's marvellous. When our other daughter Karen was married in 1991 it cost a massive £7,000 which we shared with her husband's family. Neither my husband nor I are working now, so without Rev. Cartmell's wonderful offer this wouldn't have been possible."

She added: "I know everyone involved and they are going to make it a very special day for Beverley and Billy.

Reverend Cartmell said: "They will have the very best treatment here and they can now spend the money they save on their house or their future. I just wish more couples would follow their example."

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