A BARRY bride and groom are on their way to the national finals of a major competition.

Teachers Laura Layton, 25, who is to marry Robert Sheldon, 29, of Wenvoe Terrace, entered the Wedding and Home magazine Bride of the Year contest for 2002.

Having made it through the regional heats of the prestigious annual competition, the soon-to-be husband and wife are guaranteed a finalists' prize.

But more than that, they are in with a chance of walking away with the top prize bridal package, worth more than £40,000.

Laura said: "We were told a couple of weeks ago that we've been chosen from this region to go forward to the national final, and that we are due to get some kind of prize. But I've no idea what it will be."

Robert, a geography teacher at Stanwell Comprehensive School in Penarth, proposed to Laura on her birthday, March 19, in 2001. She didn't hesitate to say 'yes'.

Now, the Sully Primary school teacher is looking forward to walking down the aisle in a civil ceremony at St Donat's Art Centre on July 27.

She said: "I'm having two bridesmaids: Robert's sister-in-law, Jane and my friend Patricia Welch, who is making my dress as a wedding present. I'm getting married in ivory, and my bridesmaids will be in a very pale pink."

Although the couple are excited about the prize, they have sorted out their honeymoon dilemma.

Robert said: "We couldn't decide on whether to have a long holiday closer to home or a shorter one somewhere more exotic. We decided on Corsica for 16 nights."

Whether they win the prize or not, the couple are looking forward to their big day.

Laura added: "I can't see us being successful at this late stage. We've got everything organised, because there are only six weeks left. But to get this far is lovely."

The winner will be announced on June 17.