Ref. 75670-08A woman who has been waiting to wed for nine years has won this year's Evening Advertiser Bride of the Year competition.

Honda worker Paul Webb proposed to Samantha Moaby on a flight to Turkey in 1996.

But the couple, who met in former Swindon nightclub Cairo's, did not want to go ahead with the wedding until everything could be just as they wanted.

Part-time shop worker Samantha, 32, of Archer Close, Kingsdown, said: "We could have got married much sooner in a registry office but I'd rather not get married at all unless it's perfect.

"I always wanted the fairy tale wedding and now, thanks to the Adver, it's going to happen. We're just so happy."

The pair beat off competition from more than 100 couples who entered to win the all-expenses paid wedding.

Paul, 32, said: "We're ecstatic, it's amazing. It's been a long wait but now thanks to the Adver it will all be worth it.

"It's been a long time purely for financial reasons but now it's going to be brilliant. We just can't wait."

Judges whittled the original entrants down to just 12 couples who attended a semi final at the Goddard Arms Hotel in Old Town last week. Then it was down to the final half dozen.

The finalists were interviewed on Tuesday, including those who will provide the dress, make-up and flowers.

And when the Samantha was told she had won she could not believe her luck.

"When I was told I was crying and shaking, I was over the moon," she said.

The pair have a three-year-old son called Brandon who, Samantha says, is a bit puzzled by all the excitement.

"He's going to be a page boy but at the moment he's just wondering why we're so excited," she said.

What Samantha wins

Samantha and Paul will have all their photographs taken by the Evening Advertiser who will produce a package of photographs worth £400.

The Goddard Arms Hotel in Old Town is providing a reception, evening reception, drinks package and accommodation worth £3,500.

A three-tier wedding cake worth £380 will be produced by Sugar Celebrations.

A pack of hand-designed wedding invitations, thank you cards and RSVP cards with menus and place cards by Prestige Colour worth £250

Wood Street jewellers Deacons have agreed to supply wedding rings to the value of £300.

The lucky couple will also get a £400 balloon package from Smiles Party World Decorating Service

£250 worth of flowers will be provided by George Lesley Flowers

A bridal car from Dangerfield worth £150.

Tiaras by Lynett is offering a stunning tiara worth £120.

Moss Bros will supply suits worth £500 for the groom and best man

Sharron Whiteley will do hair and make-up which is worth £250

Handmade wedding dress and two bridesmaids dresses worth £1,500 from Silks of Hillside Park, Swindon

gareth Bethell