MOST brides have at least 12 months to perfect preparations for their wedding day.

But Anne Russell was given just two minutes.

That is because her husband sprung the surprise of a lifetime on her at Bolton's Parish Church.

The 49-year-old thought she was going to her nephew's wedding, before husband Andrew dramatically announced on the church steps that they were about to renew their own vows after 30 happy years together.

A flabbergasted Anne turned to see a crowd of more than 50 smiling guests who were all in on the secret.

Anne said: "I could not believe it. Andrew turned to me and said, 'See this wedding you are going to? It is actually yours!'

"I told him to stop taking the mickey. But when I realised it was true, it was amazing."

The happy couple followed the same wedding ceremony they had 30 years ago, only this time they weren't required to sign the register.

Anne said: "It was so beautiful. I couldn't stop the tears from flowing. It's actually nicer the second time round as you can enjoy the day a lot more.

"I'm never going to believe another word that comes out of his mouth from now on!"

The lovebirds are honeymooning in Blackpool -- just like they did in 1974.

The couple hail from Bolton but moved up to Scotland in the late 1970s.

Anne used to live in the Spreadeagle Pub in Bromley Cross while Andrew lived on Bolton Road, Bury. They now live in a small village called Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, on the west coast.

They have been together since they were 15 and have two children called Ricci and Zoe.

But they never forget their Bolton roots and often return to the town to visit relatives. In Scotland, Andrew works as a shellfish diver while Anne runs a cafe.

And explaining the secret behind 30 happy years together, Andrew said: "It is all about give and take. We have the same interests and enjoy each other's company."