First couple tie the knot at Selby's Civic Centre

The honour of being the first couple wed at the new facility goes to Hannah Bestington and Lauren Gawthorpe. The couple are both from Selby and chose the civic centre for the venue of their nuptial as it is their local register office.

Hannah is an office manager, working in the construction industry, whilst Lauren is a care worker. They met in February last year and were engaged just four months later when Lauren proposed to Hannah whilst the pair were on holiday in Lanzarote.

The newlyweds are currently planning their honeymoon to the Caribbean, later in the year.

Speaking after their wedding, the happy couple said, "We are so glad we can share our wedding day with our family and friends. It means the world to us.

"The registrars have provided a really personal service. They have guided us through the whole event from beginning to end."

County Councillor Chris Metcalfe (Con, NYCC Tadcaster) offered his congratulations to the couple, "We are delighted to welcome Hannah and Lauren as the first couple to get married at Selby. We send them our warmest congratulations and good wishes for their future together on this special day."

The Civic Centre became the new home of the registration office for births, deaths, civil partnerships and marriages on January 15th as part of a cost saving marriage between Selby District Council and North Yorkshire County Council.

The Councils say the new venue offers a big improvement on the old site and say users of the service will be able to benefit from more room for guests at ceremonies, an on-site café, more parking spaces and improved access.

Couples who want to check out the facilities available at the new venue will get a chance to see things for themselves on Valentine's Day, when the ceremony room will be open for inspection and registrars will be on hand to answer questions and take bookings.