Valentine Wedding

The couple made their vows in the beautiful upper chamber, with its magnificent and rare gaslit chandelier, and glorious views over the ancient town and surrounding countryside.

Until just over a year ago, the chamber was one of two court rooms where Arundel magistrates sat in judgement, but when the law moved out, love moved in, as Arundel Town Council successfully applied for a licence to hold civil weddings in the town hall.

A visit to the modern surroundings of Worthing Register Office, at Centenary House, Durrington, convinced Leslie and Jennifer they would rather tie the knot elsewhere.

"We like old places, with character, so when we saw the town hall advertised, we went to see it and realised just how beautiful it was, sais Jennifer.

"We didn't realise ours would be the first wedding there, and that has made it all the more special. I hope they do well with weddings and I would recommend it to anyone."

The town hall wedding was quite appropriate for Jennifer after all, her father, Ernest Cuer, was mayor of Worthing in 1966-67.

She first met Leslie 22 years ago when she was working for Aston's chemist shop in the Guildbourne Centre, Worthing, and he was working at a nearby off-licence, and they have been good friends ever since.

Jennifer is now semi-retired, working part-time at a jeweller's and another chemist's shop, and is also chairman of Worthing Horticultural Society. Leslie is employed by Sussex Training Group, in Worthing.

The couple, who live at Hall Avenue, Worthing, had their reception at The Spur public house, Slindon, and will take their honeymoon later in the year.