A HOTSHOT footballer who went from Accrington Stanley to the Premiership returned to his home turf for the "best match" of his life.

Former Blackburn Rovers youth team player Brett Ormerod, who is now a first team regular with beaten FA Cup finalists Southampton, returned to his native Rishton to tie the knot with childhood sweetheart Lisa Standring at St Peter and St Paul Parish Church.

The couple have been together since meeting at Norden High School, and chose Lisa's 24th birthday to complete their fairytale romance in blistering sunshine. And the couple's two-year-old son, Dylan, was at the centre of the celebrations as pageboy.

"It's definitely been my best match and the most nervous one - but I enjoyed it," said Brett, 26. "We have been together since 1993 so it's over 10 years.

"I like coming home to see my family and friends. It's superb down there but if I had any complaint it's that I miss my family and friends."

Lisa, who was given away by her stepfather Jeff Blackledge, said: "We were childhood sweethearts. I was 13 when we started going out, and Brett was 16 and we have been together ever since.

"We chose my birthday because with Brett's work commitments we had to get married in June. It's the best birthday present I could ever have."

Her mum Kathy, 43, said: "She couldn't have picked a better day, she looks gorgeous. It's definitely a fairytale. And we are best friends with Brett's mum and dad as well so it's brilliant."

Mr Blackledge, 46, of Petre Crescent, Rishton, said: "It was a privilege to give Lisa away and it's a very special day for the family."

Brett's father Glynn Ormerod, 56, of Oak Close, Rishton, said: "It's a lovely day but they were both nervous this morning."

His mother Valerie, also 56, said: "At long last. It's just lovely."

After leaving Ewood Park, Brett, then 18, took a job in a factory in Great Harwood. His career was resurrected when he joined Stanley in October 1995. The following season he scored 32 goals in 40 outings with the Reds, 14 as substitute.

He joined Blackpool in March 1997, winning promotion to Division Two in the play-offs two years ago. In December 2001 he signed for Southampton for £1.75million.