A LEOMINSTER woman who is believed to be one of the oldest bridesmaids in the country will take part in a very special wedding today.

Edna May Houghton, who is 97, will walk down the aisle as daughter Maureen’s maid of honour when she marries her fiancé Duncan.

“When I asked my mum she said she could not be a bridesmaid at 97,” said Maureen, who lives in Knighton-on-Teme, near Tenbury Wells.

“I do not know if there is an older bridesmaid but I have never heard of anyone older than mum doing the job.

“Mum is still mobile although she has a walker and will walk into the ceremony under her own steam.”

Maureen added: “It will be very special for me because it is the same date as my mum and dad, who died many years ago, were married.

When Duncan and I decided to get married I was keen to have my wedding on the same date.

Today’s wedding at the Pump Rooms in Tenbury Wells will be very special for a number of reasons, with several generations of the same family taking part.

Edna, who lives in sheltered accommodation in Leominster, will be joined in wedding duties by her six-year-old great-grandson William, who will be holding the keys.

Maureen added: “I am really looking forward to the day but wish it was last week when the weather was glorious.”

  • According to ‘The Guinness Book of Records’ the oldest bridesmaid is Edith Gulliford who was bridesmaid in Chatham. She was 105 years and 171 days old.