Registrar Patricia Murfitt should be word perfect when she takes her own wedding vows.

As superintendent registrar for Witney, she has tied the knot for more than 3,500 couples - including her own son Julian last year.

Today, Patricia was due to walk down the aisle of her village church of St James the Great in Fulbrook, near, Burford, for her marriage to Tony Picking.

She said: "I must admit I am a little nervous and apprehensive. It will be different as all the ceremonies I have conducted have been civil, whereas this one is Church of England and we will enjoy an extra blessing. "I have seen lots of happy couples and we plan to really enjoy our day."

Retired Sqn Ldr Picking, a former chairman of the West Oxfordshire Conservative Association, said: "I am a widower and Patricia is a widow. We both live in Fulbrook and have been acquainted for some time.

"I think it is probably very interesting but there is a difference between the two ceremonies."

More than 100 people, including the couple's six children from their previous marriages and grandchildren, will be in the church, which is next door to Patricia's home.

Patricia has worked for Oxfordshire County Council's registration service since 1974.

Story date: Saturday 01 May

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