A COUPLE who had never found the time to marry in 12 years together will now be tying the knot in style - without having to organise anything apart from the reception and the guest list.

Teenage sweethearts Laura Payne and Shaun Pilbrow have won a wedding ceremony and a photography package in a Facebook competition run by Somerset County Council's registration service and Who Is Benjamin Photography.

The Bishops Lydeard couple's answer to the question, 'Why do you want to #SayIDoInSomerset' proved a winner with the judges.

Laura and Shaun, who have two daughters, are now looking forward to formalising their relationship with up to 100 guests in the historic Tudor Hall at Taunton Register Office.

They first met as teenagers at Dunster beach, where Shaun’s family owned a holiday business and Laura got a job selling ice creams.

They dated for a while but lost touch when Shaun moved to London.

Years later they got back in touch and have now been together for 12 years and engaged for six.

They have never quite found the time to marry, although they had set a vague date for next year and started saving.

So, why do they want to #SayIDoInSomerset? It’s a shared love of the countryside.

Laura said: "We’re country bumpkins at heart. We love walking on the Quantocks and being near our family. It’s great living somewhere people are so friendly."

Cllr David Hall, cabinet member responsible for Somerset Registration Service, said: "It’s a privilege to be able to help this family start the next chapter in their lives."

Photo attached shows Shaun and Laura discussing their wedding plans