A former Big Brother contestant tied the knot in Gretna Green - just days after a romantic Lake District proposal.

Emma Greenwood, who made a name for herself in the reality television show in 2004, married boyfriend Ben Womack on Saturday in a surprise Gretna wedding.

Once described as "the bit of Scotland where English people go to get married", Gretna Green plays host to the weddings of people from all over the UK.

The marriage of Emma and Ben was no exception.

Ben, who runs Mystique Interiors in Chester with his new wife, is from Doncaster, while Emma js from Manchester.

The Big Brother entrant was treated to a Don't Tell the Bride style ceremony, with Emma only finding out about the wedding just two days before - within hours of the proposal itself.

Ben got down on one knee on the shores of Windemere on Friday.

Ben, along with future mother-in-law Karen, spent months planning the wedding unbeknown to Emma, with the service itself booked in January.

The ceremony took place at the historic Anvil Hall on Saturday, with Emma and Ben's family and friends travelling up on the day for the celebrations.

Anvil Hall is a world-famous wedding venue, and one that its owner is very proud of.

"People have been coming here for 250 years, much like Las Vegas," owner Heath Hampson said.

"It's a stunning venue that's got the wow factor. As soon as people come through the door, the building takes people's breath away.

"I've seen it bring people to tears."

Gretna Green is a popular place for celebrity weddings, and has played host to a number of showbiz occasions including those such as Atomic Kitten's Kerry Katona and former Scotland and Liverpool footballer, John Wark.

Only closest friends and family were invited to Emma and Ben's wedding, with 40 guests attending on the day.

The service itself cost more than £600, with the building racking up a bill of £495 and the marriage officiant costing a further £130.

Womack also splashed out on a horse and carriage for his bride, who has made several public appearances since being controversially evicted from the Big Brother House, including on Richard & Judy a year later.