MORE than 20 couples from across the county met together recently at Tavistock Parish Rooms, who are all getting married in the Tavy Mission Community or the West Dartmoor Mission Community at some point this year.

The Rev Michael Brierley, priest in charge of Tavistock and Gulworthy, said: ' This is the second year we have run this event.

'It is so popular that we run it twice a year as a way of getting couples together to think about their weddings as they prepare for their big day.'

The Rev Preb Nick Shutt, rector of West Dartmoor Mission Community, said: 'This has been an excellent time together.

'Every couple I have talked to has really valued the opportunity to meet together to think seriously about what it means to get married.

'Rumours of the end of marriage are much exaggerated.'

The morning provided input on issues and expectations surrounding relationships in marriage from the manager of Plymouth Relate, as well as practical advice from local clergy about putting the wedding service together, and what it means to be married in church with the grace and help of God.