LOVE is not dead. And if proof was needed cynics need look no further than happy Leigh couple Christine and Philip Hedley.

For the couple from Hope Carr Road (pictured), have just 'married' for the second time in 13 years - and without a single divorce between them!

The re-tying of the matrimonial knot took place at St Joseph's RC Church, and it was a dream come true for the happy couple who have had three children, Shirlean, 11, Joseph, nine, and Amanda, six, since their first time in Leigh Register Office in 1983.

The blessing had been contemplated for years. After Christine married Philip, 40, a devout Roman Catholic, she converted to his religion and always dreamed of a white wedding in church.

It was after a serious illness three years ago, when Christine, 35, fought for her life after an emergency operation, that the pair realised just how close they still were and plans were eventually put in hand for the blessing.

A Nuptial Mass was held, attended by more than 40 people, and seven bridesmaids - all wearing ice-blue gowns made over six months by Christine herself.

Christine, who also has a son, Wayne, 16, from a previous marriage, said: "Now the children can tell their friends that they attended the wedding of their parents! It was a beautiful day for us all and has somehow made our life together seem more complete. We always felt something was missing before, and I think we were both more nervous this time round than the first time. I think Philip and I are now more one than ever, and we would certainly recommend it for other couples." (Picture: PandA Photographic Services, Atherton)

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