The pugs were well behaved during the ceremony

There was not a dog collar in sight as the six pugs turned up in full bridal attire to the ceremony in Cumbria.

Guests at Carlisle register office were stunned to see Dianne Johnston's pedigree chums accompany her and husband-to-be Andrew.

The pets - four bitches and two dogs - were regaled in made-to-measure dresses and top hat and tails.

And after sitting patiently through the ceremony, the animals followed the newly-wed couple outside to pose for photographs.

Mrs Johnston, 45, said: "Top of my list were my dogs. They've always been there for me and have never let me down.

The pugs wore specially-made wedding attire

"When I went down the aisle everybody gasped and just couldn't believe it.

"We had a word with the registry office and they couldn't believe it, but they were really helpful and nice towards me. In fact they said they were better behaved on the day than some children they've had there."

Mr Johnston, 42, added: "It was a very special day and they were just part of the family."

The bridesmaids - Lottie, Mabel, Becky and Buttons - wore ivory silk dresses that matched Dianne's outfit, and the page boys - Elf and Sherman - wore tuxedos ordered from an internet company in America.

The dogs travelled to the ceremony in the bridal cars and were looked after by two friends while the couple exchanged vows.

Although Mrs Johnston admitted the dogs were tired by the end of the ceremony and slept through the reception.

Mrs Johnston owns a total of 16 dogs and runs an animal grooming business in Bustabeck, south of Carlisle.