A BRIDE appeared before Burnley magistrates in her wedding outfit, hot-foot from the register office.

Claire Alison Hayat, 20, nee Sorbie, formerly of Kendal Street, Nelson, now of Basil Street, Colne, was due to face the bench for sentence on Monday, the day she was tying the knot at the office on Nicholas Street.

Hayat put in her appearance after information came to her solicitor Brian Irlam from another lawyer that the nuptials were taking place just a couple of hundred yards away.

Asked by the magistrates why she was late the blushing bride said the best man had not been prompt for the ceremony and the bench withdrew an allegation of failing to surrender because of the occasion.

Meanwhile her husband of several minutes was outside court in the waiting area.

Hayat began married life with a £100 fine after earlier admitting possession of heroin on February 20. Her case had been adjourned for reports.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.