THE first wedding ever recorded at Bishop's Castle Town Hall has been celebrated.

It took place in the newly renovated 18th century building that is licensed for weddings.

Xander Ashwell and his bride Meri Hunneyball had the distinction of being the first couple to be married there on Saturday, April 18.

Thirty-year-old Xander, is the son of Mike and Miranda Ashwell of Bishop's Castle, and Meri, aged 26, is the daughter of John and Maribeth Hunneyball, who live in Norton.

The ceremony took place in the upper council chamber led by the registrar Elizabeth Griffiths.

Sixty guests enjoyed a champagne toast before walking in the sunshine down the hill to the Church Barn for the wedding reception. The day ended at the bridegroom’s home with a barbecue and fireworks.

Xander is the creative director of a digital design agency in Leicester and Meri runs her own online business called ‘Tukuru Textiles’, importing fairly traded textiles, clothing and accessories from South America.

Their two-year-old son Max Ashwell was the best man at the wedding and he slept through much of the ceremony.

Bishop's Castle Town Hall trustees are pleased that four more weddings are booked for this year, with more lined up for 2016.