A LEIGH couple are finalists in a bridal war that could result in them winning a £30,000 wedding!

Self employed gas engineer Paul Carney and Aimee Best are planning to marry 'sometime in the future'.

But if they beat the other four finalists in Rock FM's Bridal Wars they'll wed on the longest day of this year – June 21 – with a champagne ceremony at Eaves Hall, Clitheroe.

Paul, aged 36, a former Leigh St Joseph's and St Mary's Catholic High pupil, met Aimee during the summer of 2009 in Bliss bar at Leigh.

"Paul yelled across the bar 'Blondie buy me a drink!' I pretended to be horrified but bought him a shot of sambucca!" recalled 23 years-old Aimee.

The following year she got a job as a holiday rep on the Cote D'Azur but then Paul visited to spend a week.

"I dropped him off at Nice airport then with two days later I left the Cote D'azur and Thomson behind and drove to Leigh in one day. I knew he was the one.

"On Christmas Day 2012 Paul proposed to me in front of all my family!

"So far 2013 has been a bit disastrous, my Nan died, Paul's business has come to a standstill, and we went on holiday I got measles. I got severe conjunctivitis causing temporary blindness. So when I heard the competition on the radio I had to go for it!"

To win they have to raise the most money for the Cash for Kids charity that helps disadvantaged and disabled children. They have until March 10 to top the challengers!

This weekend they are collecting donations at Asda in Leigh town centre, and on Saturday Paul and a group of friends are running from Wigan to Leigh in fancy dress.

On Tuesday they will be bag packing at Morrisons in Leigh and on Friday, March 8, there's a fundraiser at The Centurion pub on St Helens Road from 7.30pm with songs, food, karaoke and table magic. It will be Paul's 37th birthday and he has promised to have his hair shaved if enough donations come in.

To donate and help Paul and Aimee enjoy a dream wedding visit https://secure2.everydayhero.co.uk/event/aimeeandpaul/donate or text wars02 with the amount you wish to give.