There were tears and cheers when patient Stuart Thompson tied the knot with his fiancée Jennifer Charters on Beech C ward at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle today.

The couple have been together for 19 years.

They were surrounded by family, friends and staff as they became the first people ever to be married on Beech C ward.

Staff decorated the day room in readiness for this special occasion.

Rachel Eastham, Beech C ward manager, said:

“It has been lovely to be part of such a special day.

“It is wonderful to be able to provide this for the family.

“We are all so happy for them.

“The staff have enjoyed planning the special day and getting Stuart ready.”

After a civil service on the ward, the couple headed to the hospital chapel for a blessing.

The service was conducted by Karen Warwick, deputy superintendent registrar.

Karen was assisted by deputy registrar John Allen.

Newly-wed Mrs Thompson, 58, from Carlisle, said: “We’ve been together for 19 years. We met on a blind date after I saw an advert in the local newspaper.”

Mr Thompson, 56, a former workshop manager and architectural designer, is from Great Broughton.

He said he was “very proud” on his wedding day.