It formed the perfect back-drop to North Yorkshire's wedding of the year.

Castle Howard was the venue as Simon Howard married Marks and Spencer heiress Rebecca Sieff.

The couple were married in a civil ceremony conducted in the Temple of the Four Winds, a summer house in the grounds.

And the marriage was subsequently blessed in the estate's private chapel by the Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope, assisted by Canon J Derek Hall, chaplain of Castle Howard.

A reception was then held in the Great Hall, with dinner in the Long Gallery.

Mr Howard, 45, a divorcee, and his bride, 33, had originally planned to wed at Ryedale House register office, but the plans were scuppered by the General Election.

The bride wore the Howard tiara and a pair of George III drop diamond earrings, which were a gift from her father to her mother on their engagement.

The bride's gown was made in silver grey silk by Pallant Couture of London and embroidered with crystals and other stones.

It can be seen by visitors to Castle Howard during the stately home's flower festival, which continues until next Sunday.

Updated: 10:57 Monday, June 11, 2001