Simon Howard and his bride-to-be, Marks and Spencer heiress Rebekah Sieff, will wed in the humble surroundings of Ryedale's council offices.

North Yorkshire's wedding of the year will be officiated at Ryedale House, in Malton, followed by a blessing in the chapel at Castle Howard.

The couple, who have been engaged for several months, have not yet set a date for the big day, but staff at Castle Howard say they are "just waiting for a bit of sunshine".

At North Yorkshire's register offices, in Harrogate, the couple's intention to wed is currently on public display.

Mr Howard Simon Bartholomew Geoffrey who is 44, is described in the public document as a company director of a private estate.

Miss Sieff Rebekah Verassani is 33, and a musician.

A register office spokesperson said it was possible the couple could change venues at a late moment by submitting a different notice of marriage.

"So far they have not submitted any other notice though so it is possible they will be sticking to Ryedale House as their chosen venue," said the spokesperson.

Maurag Carmichael, a spokeswoman for Mr Howard, said staff at the estate would soon be gearing up for the big day.

"The reception will be taking place on a Saturday in the grounds of Castle Howard and we will be using our own catering staff at the estate to provide the food," she said.

"Mr Howard and Miss Sieff have not set a date for their wedding yet I think they are just waiting for a bit of sunshine to come along.

"Following their official wedding there will be a blessing in the chapel in the grounds of Castle Howard.

"It promises to be a very big day for everyone here and we're all looking forward to it."

Mr Howard, the third son of Lord Henderskelfe a former BBC chairman announced his intention to divorce his previous wife Annette, known to friends as Scruff, in May 1999.

The couple, who had been married for 13 years, separated two years ago and Annette has since moved to a farmhouse near Wantage, in Oxfordshire.

Meanwhile, a recently discovered treasure, a Michelangelo sketch called "Portrait of a Mourning Woman", is currently awaiting sale at Sotheby's, in London.

Mr Howard is expected to make millions from the sale when the drawing finally goes under the hammer.

Updated: 09:04 Tuesday, May 01, 2001