AS Charles and Camilla tied the knot last Saturday, a couple in Warrington were also celebrating their love match.

Pam Hatton-White, aged 55, and Ken Hatton, aged 58, of Barnes Avenue, Fearnhead, exchanged vows in front of family and friends at Warrington's Register Office.

Like the royal couple Pam is a divorcee and she says experience of marriage has undoubtedly grounded her relationship with Ken in a way that was impossible when she married the first time, aged only 18 and three days.

She said: "We're older, wiser and calmer, so marriage this time around will be a very different experience. I think we will be more patient and tolerant and generally have a more realistic view of marriage."

Of her new husband, who she met through friends at the Farmer's Arms pub in Fearnhead, she said: "It was his kindness and generosity that attracted me, he's a very nice man."

Pam has three sons and she says they are over the moon about her relationship with Ken - it was Pam's eldest son who gave her away and her two grandchildren who were bridesmaid and pageboy.

Freedom from parenting responsibilities will also have a positive impact on her marriage, says Pam. "We will have more freedom to enjoy being together. We love going to our house in France but with young children you couldn't just go whenever you want."

Like Charles and Camilla, it was second time lucky for Pam and Ken who had to rearrange their wedding date after Ken's mum died.

But now April 9 2005 has passed without a hitch, Pam described it as 'a magical day' - a sentiment the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall would undoubtedly echo.

Unlike the royal couple though, who had 800 guests at their Windsor Castle reception, a slightly more manageable 80 friends and relatives attended the Lymm Hotel to wish Pam and Ken well.

While Charles and Camilla relax on their family estate in Scotland, Pam and Ken are looking forward to a honeymoon at their family home in France.