IT will be history in the making next week when a bride walks down the aisle at Kennaway House for the first time. Paul Kensdale and Tracy Churchill, of Woolbrook, will be the first couple to marry in the magnificent Grade II building which has been beaut

IT will be history in the making next week when a bride walks down the aisle at Kennaway House for the first time.

Paul Kensdale and Tracy Churchill, of Woolbrook, will be the first couple to marry in the magnificent Grade II building which has been beautifully restored to its former glory.

Paul, 33, a local carpenter, said: "I was born in Sidmouth in the cottage hospital so it is quite special to be married here."

Paul and Tracy, 32, were introduced by a mutual friend two years ago and got engaged last year on February 29-the traditional day for a woman to propose.

"Tracy and I had been joking about her proposing to me so I thought I'd better get in there first!" added Paul.

The happy couple, who will be marrying on Saturday, June 6, exactly two years from the day they met, are completing the finishing touches to their plans.

Tracy, a scientist at South West Water, said: "It was still very much a building site when we booked it so we had to visualise what it would look like."

Now the renovation of the house, once home to Sidmouth's first MP for East Devon, Sir John Kennaway, is nearly complete the couple are amazed with its transformation.

Tracy added: "It looks so shiny and new and there is the added benefit of it being an old historic building.

"I feel privileged to be the first couple to marry there. It is quite exciting really and we might go down in Sidmouth history!"

The wedding ceremony will be an intimate affair with 50 close friends and family, followed by a Pimms reception, cream tea and an evening do, which will be attended by an additional 50 guests.

The couple, who are also in the process of moving house, were planning to go camping in Scotland for their honeymoon but have put it on hold for the time being.

Instead the pair will travel to the Isles of Scilly for a short break.

Paul added: "Moving house and planning a wedding are meant to be the two most stressful things you can do and we will be doing them at the same time!