Homing in on big prize (From Barry And District News)

Homing in on big prize

LOVE is in the air for a Barry couple hoping to clinch a prize package worth £40,000.

Laura Layton, 25, and her partner Robert Sheldon, 29, of Wenvoe Terrace, plan to walk down the aisle this July.

They have chosen a civil ceremony at St Donat's Art Centre, with the romantic backdrop of the castle behind them and a sea view in front.

And they have been selected from thousands of entrants to join just one other eager pair looking to represent Wales in this year's Wedding and Home's Bride of the Year competition final.

Laura and Robert would be glad of the top pay-out to help refurbish their home.

Primary school teacher Laura said: "Most of what we have now is secondhand from my brother.

"It would be wonderful to replace it with brand new furniture." The prize includes £12,000 for a honeymoon of their choice.

Robert, a geography teacher at Stanwell Comprehensive in Penarth, said: "On our budget we can either stay close to home and have a little luxury, or go further away, but scrimp a bit. If we won this prize, it would end our dilemma."

The teachers met on January 14 1998, in a Swansea nightclub. Laura recalls: "I was dancing like a fool at Baron's 'Funk Night'.

"Robert watched me most of the night, then came and asked if I minded strangers talking to me. I said it depended on who the stranger was. When he walked away, I thought I'd blown it, but he came back over to ask if he minded this stranger talking to me. Since then, we've hardly been apart."

Robert proposed to Laura on March 19, 2001. She didn't hesitate to say 'yes'.

If they are chosen as regional representatives, Laura and Robert will join 10 other couples from around the country hoping to walk away with the wedding of their dreams.