Every wedding day is special but for one Norwich couple their day was made even more poignant after the groom's father conducted the service.

James Bell and and Amanda Knights, both 26, from Thorpe st Andrew, were married yesterday at St Peter and St Paul's Church, in Fakenham.

The ceremony was led by the Rev Adrian Bell, 64, who is Rector of St Peter and St Paul's Church.

Sticking to tradition, the bride arrived 15 minutes late at the church - not that anyone minded after seeing her walk up the aisle in a classic white dress.

James and Amanda met eight years at Fakenham Air Training Corps, when they were just 18.

She was a sergeant and he was a private and they became friends, which soon turned into romance.

During the ceremony, the Rev Bell said: 'She told him when to march and when to stop, which he obviously liked!'

He also divulged to the friends and family, who were at the ceremony, that his son was the biggest softy in the room after the newlyweds kissed.

The Rev Bell, whose emotion nearly got the better of him during the vows, gave the couple some advice.

'Get out there and do the things you want to do,' he said.

The pair left the church past a row of Fakenham ATC members.

Speaking at the end of the service, the Rev Bell added: 'It was very emotional because James has been very supportive by helping out during difficult times. he has always been there, regardless, and is always ready to help everyone.'

He added he was looking forward to having Amanda as a daughter-in-law and said: 'She knows her own mind.'

He works at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital as an opthalmic medical photographer and his new wife is head of geography at Acle High School.

Amanda was born and grew up in Sculthorpe, near Fakenham, where her family still lives.

The new Mr and Mrs Bell left the church in a classic car for their reception at Binham Memorial Hall, near Blakeney.

They went to Morocco for their honeymoon and hope to travel to more countries in the future.