Susan Dobson put on a brave smile for her Valentine's Day wedding photographs.

But of the 12 couples who tied the knot at Bradford Register Office, Susan's celebrations were the ones tinged with sadness.

The 45-year-old divorcee, whose mother died from cancer four days ago, married her partner of five years Michael Boyle, 35.

Tomorrow she will begin a second course of chemotherapy for her own cancer of the pancreas. On Friday, she and her family will attend the funeral of her mother Maureen Cox.

Her son, Paul, 26, a lance corporal, attended the wedding ceremony in full dress uniform.

"My mum looks fantastic, you wouldn't know to look at her that she was ill, nor would you guess she's grieving," he said.

"We were all in a bit of a panic and worried that it wouldn't all go to plan but it's been fine - they make a lovely couple."

Susan wore an outfit chosen by her mother, who died from cancer of the pancreas on Friday. She was 70.

Susan said that her mother and father, George Cox, 71, of Hawthorn Drive, Greengates, Bradford, had told her to go ahead with her wedding plans.

Susan was dressed in a cream two-piece suit, with red roses in her hair and carried a bouquet of red and white flowers.

She said: "It's been short and sweet but everything's gone to plan. It's been difficult keeping up a brave face but I'm pleased to see everyone enjoying themselves. "

The newlyweds married five years after their first date on Valentine's Day.

After the ceremony family and friends joined them for photographs at Cartwright Hall, then went on to the Sun Inn, Cottingley, where Susan is manager, for a party.

Susan's other children Tanya, 23, and Emma, were among a 30-plus crowd who attended the celebrations.

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