Simon Howard presented his bride-to-be, Marks and Spencers heiress Rebecca Sieff, to the world today - and revealed they are set to wed in the grounds of Castle Howard.

North Yorkshire's wedding party of the year will take place on Saturday, June 9, at 5pm with a blessing and reception for more than 200 guests.

The Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope, will conduct the blessing in the chapel for 90 people.

The couple are marrying in a civil ceremony the day before in The Temple in the estate grounds. The estate has applied for a three-year wedding licence.

The couple had planned to marry in Ryedale's council offices, but the June elections have prevented them.

Miss Sieff, 33, is keeping her wedding dress and colours secret, but she said: "My best friends, mother and step-mother know the colours, but I want to keep it a surprise.

"The whole wedding has been organised like a military exercise! We're hoping for a sunny day."

Miss Sieff, a musician, said she would be taking an active role in the running of the house and is hoping to plan musical events in the grounds. She said: "It's an honour to live in a house like this.

"I'm not going to be Lady of the Manor and lie in bed."

The couple will be staying at the house after the wedding and plan to honeymoon abroad in September.

Mr Howard, who is 44, said the couple plan to have children. He said: "it would be very nice". But Rebecca said she doesn't want "too many".

Updated: 15:18 Friday, May 04, 2001