MEET Hugo Mellodey-Hayes, the four-year-old best man.

Hugo took his mum and dad’s big day in his stride, despite fulfilling one of the most nerve-racking roles of the day.

The youngster waited at the altar with his dad Nick Hayes and watched as mum Claire Mellodey-Hayes walked down the aisle.

Hugo, unnerved by the pressure and responsibility of the role, handed the rings to the vicar during the ceremony.

Claire said: “He was brilliant. He took it all in his stride. I’m very proud.”

Claire, 44, a civil servant in Blackburn, and Nick, 56, a maintenance engineer, from Wheelton, near Chorley, married in St Leonard’s Church, Balderstone, before the reception at Eaves Hall Country Hotel, Clitheroe.

Hugo, who goes to primary school in Brinscall, arrived in style to the church with his uncle Mick on a tractor.

The unusual vehicle was chosen just to do something different.

The couple had to ask Nick’s brother Mick to step up for some of the duties as Hugo was too young to sign the registry form in the church and carry out the traditional best man’s speech.

Mum-of-two Claire, who set herself at £2,011 budget for her 2011 wedding after their 16 year engagement, said: “As soon as we decided to get married five months ago we said we would like it if Hugo was the best man.

"We had to explain to him nearer the time what he had to do and what Angus, our younger son, had to do.

“We go to church every week and he always runs around the pews but even though he was quite excited he did really well.

“Hugo had a little help with some of the official duties but during the speech he handed the gifts to the bridesmaids and gave them a kiss.”