A Scouting leader has married his sweetheart – a Brownie leader.

Gerry Tipling, Hyndburn’s most senior Scout, wed Karen Johnson, of the St Paul’s Brownie Group.

And to celebrate the occasion 40 Scouts, cubs and brownies from Gerry and Karen's packs were invited to the ceremony to give the couple a guard of honour.

They were among 200 people who attended the service at St Paul’s Church on Plantation Street in Accrington on Saturday.

Friend of the couple Kath Jones said: "It was a wonderful day.

"After the service they had a disco for the children at the church with cake and other treats.

"They are both extremely dedicated to their scouting and guiding duties.

"Every year they take the children to camps and to special events weekend after weekend. It is such a big part of both of their lives so it was special to see all of the children at the wedding to celebrate with them.

"They are one of the kindest couples I know.

"They are also very dedicated members of the church and very active in the congregation."

The couple are both members of St Paul’s church and Karen has been working with Brownies there for more than five years, serving in the role of Brown Owl until recently.

She now volunteers as a Brownie helper. Gerry, who lives with Karen on Burnley Road, Accrington, is the district commissioner for scouting in Hyndburn.

The couple, who both work at Express Gifts in Church, met at a scouting and guiding event more than six years ago.

Gerry, 58, proposed to Karen, 54, during a weekend away in Leeds.

Also in attendance were the couple’s two daughters Alisha, 11, and Zoe, nine, Karen's daughter Ellie, 28, and Gerry’s daughter Kelly, 19. The couple are currently enjoying a honeymoon cruise in the Mediterranean.

But prior to the wedding, Karen said: "It will be a special day.

"We are looking forward to having our Cubs and Brownies there along with our friends and families.

"It means a lot to us to have them there and will make our day all the more special."