IT wasn't the most romantic of first meetings. Wendy Paddon was, to put it mildly, not feeling herself.

The 19-year-old, not used to drinking spirits, had made the mistake of believing the punch at a Hallowe'en party thrown by a friend was just an innocent fruity drink.

In fact it was a powerful concoction. She ended up sitting on a wall outside the house being looked after by a 20-year-old man she had never met before.

Almost exactly seven years later Wendy has just been picked as the Evening Advertiser bride of the year for 2001. And Lee Baldry, the gallant lad who came to her rescue, is her bridegroom-to-be.

"It was so embarrassing,'' recalled Wendy. "I threw up over his new trainers and I didn't even know his name.

"But he took me to his house which was just two doors away from the party, gave me a drink of cold water, made sure I was all right and called a taxi to take me home.''

A couple of days later she asked a friend who her rescuer was and wrote to thank him.

Now they look back and laugh about the way they met and are thankful for the high octane mixture which had gone into that punch.

Today they can hardly believe their luck at Wendy's bride of the year win which comes with more than £6,000 worth of prizes, including a reception at the Goddard Arms Hotel and top of the range wedding finery from Rosella Gowns and Mr Charles of Cirencester.

However, they reckon their biggest stroke of luck has been finding each other.

"I used to buy myself a new pair of trainers every time I got bored with a girlfriend and decided it was time to move on,'' said Lee, who is now 27 and works as a toolmaker with Wilson Tool Ltd of South Marston.

"A few months after Wendy and I started seeing each other regularly, I realised I didn't want any more new trainers,'' he joked.

They have bought a house in Tulip Tree Close in Pinehurst, and have spent months altering and improving it.

What the winners receive

Reception for up to 50 people, evening reception up to 80 people, drinks package, complementary changing room and overnight accommodation for the bride and groom at the Goddard Arms Hotel, Swindon. Value: £3,500.

Bridal gown, two bridesmaid dresses from Rosella Gowns.

Hired morning suits for groom and best man from Mr Charles, both at Woolmarket, Cirencester. Total value £1,168.

Bridal tiara and three bridesmaid petite tiaras from Copperbox Ltd, Peatmoor. Value: £350.

Wedding photography and video by Insight Photography and Video Services, Swindon. Value: £400.

Bridal cars from Dangerfields, Swindon. Value: £150.

Bride and groom wedding rings from Deacons, Swindon. Value £250.

Bridal flowers including the bride's bouquet from George Lesley, Swindon. Value: £250.

Three-tier wedding cake from Mountstevens, Swindon, Value: £225.

Full facial, make up and hair for the bride at Sharron Whiteley, Pewsey. Value: £120.

All hymns, psalm and anthem in church or songs of the couple's choice at an alternative venue by Swindon Wedding Chorale, Lydiard Millicent.

Fifty chocolate table favours from La Zahra, Swindon. Value: £50.

Balloon decoration at reception from Party Box Balloon, Decorating Service, Wootton Bassett. Value £150.