The contest for the top slot is heating up as judges narrow down their choices for the Evening Advertiser Bride of the Year 2002 contest. Here we profile the six finalists.

Clair Murtough & Matthew King

Bride Clare Murtough, 23, assembly associate

Groom: Matthew King , 22, joiner

Together: Nearly 5 years

What do you think are the most important ingredients to build a lasting relationship?

Bride: I think trust is the most important thing. Also, loyalty, lots of loving and being there for each other through thick and thin. Groom: I do not believe that trust is the most important thing, but all of the above that Clare mentioned are extremely important for a lasting relationship.

Karen Graham & Darren Dilley

Bride: Karen Graham , 30 , nurse (mental health)

Groom: Darren Dilley , 30 , supervising maintenance engineer.

Together: 22 months

What do you think are the most important ingredients to build a lasting relationship?

Bride: Honesty, understanding, ability to change or grow together adaptability, common values in life, communication and acceptance of imperfections!

Groom: Trust, being able to talk about problems never going to bed without solving any argument. Companionship being there whenever she needs me.

Kelly Mercer & Niki Burgess

Bride: Kelly Mercer, 19, retail shop manager

Groom: Niki Burgess, 26 , equipment technician

Together: 3 years

What do you think are the most important ingredients to build a lasting relationship?

Bride: Friendship I feel you should be able to talk and communicate with each other. Trust and honesty there should be no doubt about your partner.

Groom: A sense of humour, joint interests and a general, mutual feeling of being "in it together".

Carly Page & Daniel Gerry

Bride: Carly Page, 25, sales advisor.

Groom: Daniel Gerry, 25, baker.

Together: 61/2 years.

What do you think are the most important ingredients to build a lasting relationship?

Bride: Always be truthful. Have your own interests with friends and make each other laugh!

Groom: Making time to be together, talking to each other, sharing things, caring for each other, and doing things that my partner is interested in so that I can make her happy.

Leah McGill & Mark Jefferies

Bride: Leah McGill, 27, team leader

Groom: Mark Jefferies, 27, assembly operator

Together: 4 years

What do you think are the most important ingredients to build a lasting relationship?

Bride: Honesty and the ability to trust Mark. We share all the chores at home. Mark has also been very reliable. Affection and space also play a big part I think. Being loved and giving love are also very important.

Groom: Trust, friendship, honesty, giving love and being loved all make for a lasting relationship.

Katrina Bennett & David McCarron

Bride: Katrina Jane Bennett, 24, HR Advisor

Groom:David McCarron, 26, IT engineer

Together: 3 years and 4 months.

What do you think are the most important ingredients to build a lasting relationship? Bride: The most important ingredients in a relationship include a large quantity of trust, a sprinkling of honesty and a drizzle of humour. It is also really important to keep romance alive by doing little things for each other that are out of the ordinary or not part of routine, daily life.

Groom: I think trust has got to be the main thing but as well as that it is important that my partner gets on well with my friends. Also, I think it is important to have common interests.