Happy couple Carol-Ann and Brian Smith made history yesterday when they became the first couple to get married on Ward 12 at Burnley General Hospital.

The service also marked the end of an era for patients and staff alike as the ward is to be demolished on Saturday with staff moving to the new multi-million pound Phase 5 development.

Carol-Ann, 61, and Brian, 64, who recently had both legs amputated because of his diabetes, had to get a special marriage licence to be able to wed at the hospital after thinking Brian hadn't got long to live.

But Brian, who also suffered kidney failure and a stroke, is now battling back to health following his operations.

Brian and Carol-Ann first set eyes on each other across a crowded swimming pool just two years ago.

And it was love at first sight for the pair, who moved to Rome Avenue, Burnley, to be closer to Carol-Ann's daughter Samantha Goodwin, who helped organise the ceremony.

Speaking after the service the bride said: "It has been the happiest day of my life.

"It's a day I will never forget. We wanted to get married as soon as possible because we didn't think Brian had long to live but he's getting better and we are just waiting for him to come home now."

Carol-Ann, a retired bus conductor, added: "Unfortunately we can't spend our wedding night together because he has to stay in hospital but when he comes home and is well enough we are hoping to go away on a honeymoon somewhere special."

Brian, a former London bus driver, said: "It's been a fantastic day.

"I would like to thank the staff for the support they have given to me and for all the work they have done in helping to make this day possible."

Best man was Brian's brother Laurence, who travelled from Suffolk.

He said: "When the doctors told Brian he had to have his legs taken off he said I don't mind as long as I can have a parrot and a wooden leg!' "And that's my brother. He says if you don't joke about it you wouldn't be able to cope.

"He has always bounced back despite all his problems. It's a very happy day for them."

Ward matron Carole Berry said: "We've never had a wedding on this ward before, so we were happy to help.

"It was a lovely day which was tinged with sadness for us as it has marked an end of an era."