By GAYLE EVANS FORMER Bolton bobby Eric Holliday returned to his old beat yesterday - to tie the knot in true romantic style.

Sgt Holliday chose Valentine's Day to marry his long-time girlfriend WPC Diane Graham at Bolton's plush new register office, Mere Hall.

And the Astley Bridge couple were so impressed with the Victorian building in Halliwell that they decided to dress up in 19th century costumes for the occasion.

Witnesses Jack and Carol Oxley, of Harwood, Bolton, hired the old fashioned garb from Chorley Old Road fancy dress shop, Wardrobe Door.

Sgt Holliday, who is now posted in North Manchester, said: "We thought it would be different if we got married with a theme. The Victorian costumes seemed to fit in with the setting. We had to hire them as fancy dress because no wedding shop did the costumes."

And Jack Oxley, a Bolton PC, added: "Eric and I used to patrol this area when we were both PCs. It used to be a real eyesore and full of vandals and criminals. But look at it now - it has really risen from the ashes. It is a real credit to the town.'

Eric, 42, and Diane, 35, had been seeing each other for more than six years before Eric popped the question.

"This was all his idea, " Diane, a Leigh policewoman, said. "He was apparently going to choose the theme of Mickey Mouse - but he couldn't get any witnesses to dress up!"

The couple celebrated with a meal at The Moat House befor a honeymoon in the Lake district.

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