Secretary Sarah Howes told of her horror at hearing of TV presenter Jill Dando's death - the woman who made her wedding possible.

The popular Crimewatch presenter spent a frantic morning travelling round the Dominican Republic to find an affidavit that would allow Sarah's wedding to go ahead.

And Jill later burst into tears of relief alongside Sarah as the last-minute dash paid off. Sarah said: "Jill was so professional. She just told me not to worry, she would sort it out." Sarah, 40, of Holton Turn, near Wheatley, met Jill last year during filming of BBC series Fasten Your Seat Belt, in which TV celebrities tried out other people's jobs.

Jill was acting as a holiday rep organising Caribbean weddings - including that of Sarah and husband Steve, 45.

At the last minute, Sarah realised she had not completed the legal formalities - and Jill leaped into action to get the paperwork sorted out.

Sarah said: "Without her, there would have been no wedding. I was so relieved that I bawled my eyes out, and she cried too. "The service was conducted in Spanish and Jill read out the English translation. Afterwards, she drank champagne at our reception with us and joined us eating the cake."

Sarah was first told of the murder by her boss. She said: "It is such a waste. I'm very upset. I wouldn't be married if it wasn't for her."

And she revealed that Jill confided in her about her new relationship with gynaecologist Alan Farthing.

Jill told her she wanted to cut down on travelling as presenter of the Holiday programme so she could spend more time with him. Sarah added: "She was saying she was hoping to spend more time with him and have a family."

Story date: Tuesday 27 April

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