BRIDE OF THE YEAR: THIS year the Evening Advertiser's wedding couple of the year will plight their troth in one of Swindon's most historic hotels, the Goddard Arms.

In fact, Katrina Bennett, 25, will be making history of her own, as the first Bride of the Year to have a civic ceremony when she weds David McCarron.

The Old Town hotel is no stranger to history, as it is named after the family who were squires of old Swindon.

In, what is now the Pleydell Suite, more than two centuries ago, the town's magistrates held their monthly sessions.

Events coordinator Steve Goulding is delighted that the hotel will be hosting the first civic ceremony for Bride of the Year.

He said: "Katrina and David are both business professionals and they are extremely busy with work.

"I think they find it quite beneficial to have people helping them plan the event. A lot of stress has been taken away from them so they feel involved but not under pressure."

Under Steve's care, the plans for David and Katrina's wedding have been carefully honed.

He said: "Katrina will pull up in front of the hotel under the canopy.

"The red carpet will be laid out for the bride and she will make her way into the ballroom where the wedding will take place.

"The wedding couple will be facing the big mirror in the ballroom during the ceremony so that all 75 guests can see what is going on."

Later that day the ballroom, which was extended 15 years ago, will be transformed into a disco for the evening celebrations when an extra 25 people will be joining the party.

Steve said: "I have spoken to them about the colour scheme and other aspects of the day.

"As the meetings progress, they give us an idea of exactly what they want.

"Katrina was in just last week and we were all going through the finer details for the wedding."

There will be a team of three chefs on duty for Katrina's wedding, led by head chef Steve Quinn.

They will be whipping up three courses for the 75 people attending the wedding breakfast.

Both Katrina and David, 27, appreciate the efforts of Steve Goulding, helping them organise a wedding that they just would not have had the time to do themselves.

But like all good wedding planners, Steve is keeping the finer details of this big day firmly under wraps.

Prizes the lucky couple will enjoy

Reception, evening reception, drinks package and overnight accommodation for bride and groom provided by the Goddard Arms. Worth £3,500.

The bridal gown and two bridesmaids dresses, suit hire for groom and best man. Dress hire provided by Rosella gowns. Worth £1,000.

Photography and video services on the day provided by Insight Photography & Video Services, worth £400.

Bespoke bridal tiara, and a bridesmaid petite tiara provided by Copperbox Ltd, worth £350.

A three-tiered wedding cake by Mountstevens, worth £300.

Rings for the Bride and Groom from Deacons of Old Town, worth £250.

Flowers by George Lesley Flowers including the bridal bouquet, worth £250.

Hire of bridal cars provided by Dangerfields, worth £150.

Balloon decorations provided by Party Box, worth £150.

Facial, make up and hair for the bride, by Sharron Whiteley, worth £120.

n Chocolate favours provided by La Zahra, worth £50.