A COUPLE whose childhood friendship turned into true love have won a £10,000 wedding at a venue near Knutsford.

Lisa Robinson, 26, and Adam Choudhury, 25, were chosen after weeks of interviews and public voting for the Guardian Newspaper Series competition.

The pair had been desperate to tie the knot, but feared their dream would have to wait because of the recession.

However, the judges and the public were so touched by their story that they were chosen to win the wedding at the grade II listed Cranage Hall in Byley Lane, Cranage.

Adam, who works as a buyer for a printing company, said they were speechless when they were announced as the winners at a bridal evening at the four-star hotel.

“It’s just unbelievable. When we heard our name we were in absolute shock. Lisa just had a great big smile across her face,” he said.

“We really wanted a big white wedding, but despite working full-time and evenings, there was no way we could afford it.

“We have been very fortunate and would like to thank everyone who voted for us.”

Adam first met Lisa, who works as a buyer at Total People, as a teenager.

He said: “We met when we were 14 and we would all hang around together.

“We’ve been friends ever since and finally got together in December 2005.”

Adam decided to pop the question while Lisa was on a girls’ holiday.

He first went to ask for her parent’s permission and then took one of her rings to the jeweller’s to be measured.

Armed with an engagement ring, he then asked Lisa for her hand in marriage during a holiday to Cyprus.

Asked what he loved about Lisa, Adam said: “Everything. It’s difficult to explain. For me she has a great personality, she is hard-working, she is gorgeous, kind, gentle and intelligent.

“There is nothing bad about her and that’s being honest, to me she is great.”

“And I hope it’s the same for her,” he joked.

“She put on the application form that I had a nice smile which is something.”

The couple, of Pine Tree Close in Winsford, now plan to set their wedding date in summer 2010.

If you are interested in booking your wedding or another occasion at Cranage Hall call 01477 536666 or email Danielle Mawdsley at Danielle.Mawdsley@principal-hayley.com