A BURY couple welcomed in the New Year . . . as husband and wife.

Twenty-five-year-old Carrie Paterson (25) and Mr James Steven (27) were married in the last wedding in the borough in 2005.

The service took place at Bury Registry Office at 2.30pm on New Year's Eve.

Carrie said: "We got married on New Year's Eve so that we could have a fresh start in 2006, especially because we've just had a baby. To find out that we were the last couple of the year to get married in Bury made it even more special. We certainly won't be able to forget our wedding anniversary now."

The couple enjoyed a reception at the Coach and Horses pub in Edenfield with their immediate family.

They are now preparing for a larger reception at Buchanan Sports and Social Club, Ramsbottom, in February, and will then honeymoon on a cruise.

Miss Paterson is the daughter of James and Edwina Paterson, of Bolton Road West, Ramsbottom and Mr Steven is the son of Douglas and Maureen Steven and, of Castle Grove, Holcombe Brook.

The couple live in Belbeck Street, Elton, with their children Aidan (5), Alicia (2) and six-week-old Alaya.