Antrim's the most romantic place on earth!

VALENTINE’S Day is almost upon us once again, so what better time to turn to matters of the heart?

Couples across Antrim will be dutifully reaching for the chocolates, flowers and romantic tat to prove their love.

But for one couple from Lancashire, they will simply be wishing they were here!

Yes, for Melanie and Stephen Gilday, the county town is the centre of the romantic universe.

Let me explain.

The couple met at an advanced motorcycle skills class in 2010, and the following year they decided to get on their bikes to tie the knot.

And where better than Northern Ireland?

“We had planned to wed later in the year, but I had this impulse to bring the ceremony forward,” said Stephen.

“So I looked up a list of registry offices in Northern Ireland on the internet. Antrim came first so I didn’t look any further.

“The Registrar Emma Thompson gave me a date and Melanie and I were on our way!

“I had waited all my life for a girl just like here and at last I had found her.”

All they needed were witnesses, and they found them when they called in on a Prayer Circle at High Street Presbyterian Church - with Mrs Shirley McCormick and Mrs Leslie Ross the eager volunteers.

After the ceremony they took their new found friends to the Dunadry for a celebration.

And then it was the long drive home to tell all about their adventure!

“We haven’t even told our parents back in Longridge about our nuptials,” said Melanie.

“When Stephen came up with the idea of just taking off to get married I agreed at once. It sounded so romantic.

“Antrim will be our special place forever from now on.”

Quite the gesture. Remember that gentlemen when you check the price tag on the dozen supermarket roses this week!