A YOUNG couple have made their mark in the history of a Hook church after becoming the first couple to be married there.

Emily Goss married Martin Spearey at the Life Church Centre, in Elms Road, in front of around 70 friends and family.

The church opened in 2011, although there has been a non-denominational church in Elms Road since 1910, when a Boer War hut was erected in the garden of Thomas Burberry – the founder of the Burberry clothing empire.

The Spearey wedding was the first to take place in the new building, and was conducted by pastor David Grant.

The reception was held at The Hampshire Court Hotel, in Great Binfields Road, Chineham.

Emily, 23, said: “I have been going to the church since I was about 12 or 13, and my partner has just started going in the last three years. There was nowhere else we wanted to get married. It’s more like a family than a church, with lots of community activities.”

Mr Grant told The Gazette: “It was great to celebrate the special day with them. I am sure there will be many more weddings for the church – it’s just a matter of time.”

Emily, a 23-year-old social worker, and Martin, a 25-year-old warehouse manager, met through friends almost five years ago.

The couple, who live in Hartley Wintney, will now start saving money for their honeymoon in the summer.