THEY say it’s a life sentence, but one couple is happy with their ball and chain.

Derek and Sandra Todd tied the knot in historical fashion when they were the first to say “I do” inside The Old Police Cells in Brighton Town Hall.

The couple hired a coach, gathered 26 of their nearest and dearest and brought them down to the south coast from their home town in Ramsgate.

Derek Todd, 55, said: “We wanted to do something a bit different because we just weren’t interested in the run of the mill stuff – it’s just not us.

“So we got on the computer and researched what we could do and when this came up, we just knew it was for us.

“We love Brighton and when we heard nobody had ever been married there before – that was it.”

The former home of the city’s villains was transformed into the place where the Todds would say their vows, and the reception number was just the ticket.

Mr Todd, a motorsport practitioner who teaches youngsters in a college, added: “It was just the right number because I think any more and it would have been a bit of a tight squeeze.

“I have to say the registry office and those guys did so well too – they were absolutely brilliant.

“We had a week’s holiday before the wedding and because we’ve been living together a while we asked just for a donation, which we’ll spend on a holiday later in the year probably down to Cornwall or somewhere like that.”

Van driver Mrs Todd, 49, said: “We had our heart set on Brighton because we knew there would be something different down there and I wish we’d stayed there now.

“We knew the Mini Run was on too, and we’re a fan of minis, so we incorporated that into the day as well before heading back.

“It was such a brilliant day and everyone had a laugh.

“It was just typically us. We’re unusual and silly and we wanted people to get invitations and think, “oh my, they’re not doing that are they?

“I think we managed that.”

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“It was great fun and it’s always lovely to have a new venue.

“It’s a historic place and it was a historic day for the building.

“They were the ideal couple because they were really up for it and they just wanted to do something quirky.

“It would have been rude not to acknowledge where we were so I made sure I chucked in some references and when I got them to say “I do” it basically contained the whole of the official caution speech.

“And, naturally, signed off with, ‘Evening all’.

“It was a great day with two great people and I’m glad they walked away happy.”

Dendi Wolsfski-Batson, deputy superintendent registrar who conducted the service