BRIDE-to-be Sonia Wilde is likely to be upstaged on her big day by the chief bridesmaid - her pet dog, Lucy Brown.

Dressed in a pink, frilly dress, complete with bonnet, the three-year-old cross collie will be the centre of attention when Sonia, 29, ties the knot with fianc' Steve Begley on October 1.

The idea was originally "a bit of a joke", but when the couple popped into St Matthew's Church, Edgeley, Stockport, and suggested it to vicar Brian Statham they were surprised by his response. After a long pause, he said they could do it.

Now, call centre worker Sonia is designing Lucy's dress.

A friend gave Lucy Brown to Sonia about 18 months ago. The pampered pooch usually snuggles up to the couple in their bed at night.

Friends have described the couple from Bridge Hall, near Edgeley, as "slightly mad" for choosing a dog as a bridesmaid.

"I'm not crazy and I'm not eccentric," said Sonia. "I just love my dog to bits; she's like a daughter. I cannot think of anybody else I would rather have as chief bridesmaid.

"When I asked the priest, you should have seen his face. He said in 26 years he had never had a request like it."

Steve, 26, said: "Sonia's an animal enthusiast. Sometimes I come home and she's got stray dogs in the house, feeding them.

"Having Lucy Brown as a bridesmaid started off as a bit of a joke. I've had quite a bit of stick. My mum thinks it's great but my dad doesn't."

Mr Statham, who took over at St Matthew's 18 months ago, said: "After a bit of careful thought I said `Yes'. Dogs have been present at funerals, so why not have one as a bridesmaid?

"When I told the church wardens they raised their eyebrows. I've not met Lucy yet, but I'm putting my trust in Sonia that she will be fine. On the day we will be prepared for anything.

"I might take a few pictures of my own for the family album."

The ceremony, with 200 guests, will be a colourful occasion - the other bridesmaids will be dressed in an assortment of hues, including purple, pink and yellow.

While Sonia and Steve are sticking with traditional outfits and vows, the strains of the conventional wedding march will not echo through the church. Sonia will walk down the aisle to Wham!'s Club Tropicana.

After the service, the couple will jet off to Amsterdam . . . leaving Lucy Brown behind.

Should the vicar have allowed a dog to be bridesmaid? Have your say.