Childhood sweethearts Oorlargh and Dean Chapman had the wedding of a lifetime - thanks to the Oxford Mail.o The couple won our first Bride and Groom of the Year contest and scooped £13,000 towards their nuptials - thanking the Mail because without the prize they couldn't afford to get hitched.

The pair triumphed over 22 other contenders to secure the first prize. They were chosen by sponsors and Mail readers after their pictures and ideas about their dream wedding appeared in the newspaper.

Mrs Chapman, 24, of Pheasant Walk, Littlemore, said: "It went perfectly. We couldn't have afforded it without winning the competition. We wouldn't have been able to get married until we were 50." She said scooping first prize in the contest also helped take some of the hassle out of organising the wedding.

Mrs Chapman added: "It was still stressful organising the wedding. but it lightened the load and we didn't have to do half as much research."

The happy couple are now settling into married life and are planning to go away on honeymoon in the next few weeks. They both went to St Augustine's School, Iffley Turn, Oxford, but did not get together until a chance meeting at a friend's birthday party seven years ago.

Mr Chapman, 26, was not going to go, but a friend persuaded him.

Vicki Jones and Mark Smith, of Burford Road Witney, came second and Claire Gauler and Mark Enis, of Roebuck Court, Didcot, came third in the contest. They received discounts from the sponsors.

THE PACKAGE: Reception at Oxford Spires Four Pillars Hotel Photographs by Mario Mage Photographs Wedding dress from Fantasia Bridal Wedding cake by Andy's Creative Cake Rings provided for bride and groom by Payne and Son Flowers by Occasions Bridal favours from Favourites by Christine DVD/video of wedding day by Forever on Film Balloon displays by The Balloon Lady Crepes from R & M La Cuisine Ltd Car for the day from Platinum Travel Evening disco by Regency Entertainment Personalised photo album and guest book by SagoJago Complete outfits for wedding party by Shepherd & Woodward Make-up by Fever Health & Beauty Dinner and cocktails for the bride's night out from Angels/La Tapas in Little Clarendon St