BRIDE Claire Wilding went for walkies on her wedding day - with pet dog Georgette as her only bridesmaid.

Claire, 34, a teacher at a Ridge Hill junior school, Stalybridge, and her husband, Kevin Young, shared their special day with their six-year-old Bischon Frise pet and more than 70 guests.

And, although the little dog could not attend the actual wedding ceremony at Fairfield Moravian Church, near the couple's Droylsden home, she remained close by their side through the wedding breakfast and evening celebration at the White Hart in Lydgate, Saddleworth.

Toast

Claire, now Mrs Wilding-Young, having incorporated her husband's surname, said: "I have had Georgette since she was a tiny puppy.

"She is part of our family and goes everywhere with us. She was my only `bridesmaid' at my wedding. She was impeccably behaved - and Kevin even raised a toast to her.

"All our family and friends adore her. I originally planned she should wear her own pretty little frock on my big day but we settled for a very feminine ruff in the end.

"All the guests really appreciated her being along at the wedding breakfast and reception."

Husband Kevin, 31, who works at Piccadilly station, added: "Georgette is a very well behaved pet. She was a model of good behaviour on our big day."

The couple will be taking as safari honeymoon in Kenya later in the year.