FRIENDS from Bolton rubbed shoulders with the stars after securing a prime position as spectators at the royal wedding.

Thousands of people lined the streets to get a glimpse of Princess Eugenie as she arrived to wed long-term partner Jack Brooksbank at St George's Chapel.

Among the crowds were guests Nichola France, from Egerton, and best friend of 34 years Louise Simpson, who hails from Bolton.

Nichola and Louise attended with their respective partners, Nigel Halligan and Daniel Simpson, and friends Bob and Edwina Shed, all of whom managed to secure front-row seats outside the castle gates, and spent the day meeting and greeting celebrities including model Kate Moss and Hollywood star Demi Moore.

It was a double celebration for Louise, who was marking her 45th birthday on Friday.

Nichola, aged 44, said: "It was just like a fairytale.

"Eugenie looked absolutely beautiful. Her dress was absolutely gorgeous.

"Jack looked a bit nervous but as the day went on he was laughing. He looked amazing.

"Louise is mad on the royals so we applied for tickets to come and see the wedding. Unfortunately we didn't get tickets to go inside but we were stood right outside the front where Eugenie went in."

Only 1,200 members of the public were invited to follow the proceedings from the grounds of Windsor Castle after being selected by ballot.

Nichola continued: "We spoke to Kate Moss and Demi Moore which is amazing. When we saw Kate Moss we couldn't believe it. She is our era. She is a fashion icon. We had a few photos with her. She was really nice."

Virgin Atlantic flight service manager Nichola said the group also met ITV This Morning's Alison Hammond.

Nichola said: "There was a real buzz about the place. It was such a beautiful occasion and a lovely atmosphere."

The crowds went wild as Princess Eugenie, the 28-year-old daughter of Prince Andrew and the Queen's sixth grandchild, kissed her husband twice on the chapel steps.

The group of six friends stayed in Windsor overnight, and travelled to Burgess Hill on Saturday to continue their celebrations.