The 42–year-old tied the knot to Ian Kirkpatrick in front of family and friends at the Broughton Road office in South Shields, yesterday.

Escorted by her two sons Colin, 26, and Mark 22, the blushing bride entered the Barrington Suite which was decked out with a festive theme.

She said: "We had no idea we'd be the first couple to get married here, we only found out last week, so it certainly was quite a surprise.

"It's a nice thing to have happened though, not many people can claim to be the first people married in a place and now we can."

The couple, from Simonside, South Shields, have been together for six years.

Mrs Kirkpatrick, who also has a daughter, Stephanie, 17, was relieved the weather stayed dry as she arrived at the new venue in a white limousine.

She said: "The weather was awful this morning and there was reports of snow on its way, so we've been very lucky it's held off."

The ceremony was carried out by superintendent registrar Maria Schromek.
She said: "This is a very special day for Ian and Tracey as they start their married life together and also for us as registrars as this is the first ceremony to take place in our new registrar office."

Afterwards the newlyweds celebrated their marriage at the New Crown pub in South Shields.

Mr Kirkpartrick, a machine operator, added: "Next week we'll be having another reception in Coatbridge which is just outside of Glasgow, because that's where I'm originally from."