TROMBONE players Steven Lord and Louise Howarth tied the knot in style at the weekend.

The happy couple both play the instrument for rival bands in the Fylde - Steven has played with Blackpool Brass for the past 15 years, while Louise plays with Thornton Cleveleys band.

But there was no rivalry between the groups at St Michael's Church, Kirkham, as they got together to play at the wedding.

Members of the two bands played Trumpets Voluntary as the bride made her way up the aisle and other favourite numbers chosen by the couple for the big day.

They met three years ago when Louise went to Blackpool Brass looking for trombone lessons.

Steven said: "I gave Louise a few lessons, we got talking and things went from there.

"She played with Blackpool Brass for a while and then moved to Thornton Cleveleys band.

"There's no rivalry between us - everyone in the two bands gets on really well and we had a great day."

Far from being rivals the two bands often help each other out, share their Christmas party every year and are even playing together in a concert in June.

Both bands will play the special concert at the Marine Hall, Fleetwood, on June 26, with guest conductor Richard Evans and guest soloist Russell Gray, both from BNFL.

Chairman of Blackpool Brass band, Shaun Pickup, said: "It was a great day - the weather brightened up as we left the church and Steven and Louise had a wonderful time."

The happy couple have now flown to Turkey for a two-week honeymoon.

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