DEVOTED couples walked down the aisle and lovingly pledged to look after their partners - and all at the tender age of four.

Crowds of proud parents looked on as youngsters from Cherry Tree School, Farnworth, took part in a series of mock weddings.

With beautiful dresses, top hats, a wedding bike and even a two-tier cake, the ceremony held at St Catherine's Church could have been the real thing.

Young gentlemen placed a ring on their bride's finger before the married couple enjoyed a hug and a ride back to school for a special reception.

The inspiration behind the day was 28-year-old nursery teacher Lyndsey Allen, who marries her partner William Travers at St Michael's Church in Great Lever on Saturday.

She said: "This has calmed my nerves for the big day. I've not had time to think about my own wedding because I've been organising this one!

"It's been great fun and well worth all the effort. And it's all good practice for Saturday."

Tracey Lawton, a nursery teacher, said: "The children have been working so hard getting ready. They made the dresses, top hats and button holes."

The day fits into the school's national curriculum, as children are encouraged to talk about special occasions.

The lucky couples were bride Jessica Barlow and groom Miles Porter, who were wed by fledgling vicar Olivia Lloyd Kent.

Next down the aisle were lovebirds Mollie Landers and Harry Marsden, married by Keiran Whitehead.

Lilian Gallagher watched her great-grand-daughter, Olivia, play the vicar in the first marriage ceremony.

She said: "I'm very proud of her. She's very outgoing and makes a very good vicar.

"It's great that the school organises events like this. It teaches the children important values like staying together."