IT was not so much a white wedding as a green one when a couple tied the knot at an allotment site in Bury

East Bury resident Humera Mannan (37), wed Nelson-based businessman Shakeel Mirza (33) at the Walnut Avenue Allotments Training and Resource Centre on Saturday (Feb 7).

The Islamic registration, or Nikaah, was staged there as was the reception for the couple and their guests.

Humera, of Heyside Way, Bury, is Bury Council's development and promotion advice assistant based at Acorn House, just around the corner from the Walnut Avenue Allotments.

She is also a member of the SRB (Single Regeneration Budget) East Bury Initiative steering group and a parent-governor at Holy Trinity primary school. She wanted somewhere really local to stage and celebrate her wedding.

The allotment association's building was partly funded by the East Bury Initiative regeneration programme and Humera and Shakeel felt it was exactly the right place for the ceremony and celebration.

Humera said: "I live and work in East Bury and am involved in its regeneration in many ways. When Shakeel and I were considering a venue for our wedding, we really wanted to find somewhere in our neighbourhood that was welcoming and offered suitable facilities.

"The Walnut Avenue Allotments building was ideal and the help I have had from the association has been great. As far as I know, it was the first time the allotment site has been the venue for a wedding."