The couple exchanged vows at a ceremony in Gateshead

A terminally ill Tyneside teenager has married the woman he hopes will carry his test-tube baby.

Leukaemia sufferer Martin Black and Susan Smith, both 19, held an emotional service in front of 100 family and friends on Monday - one month ahead of schedule because his condition was worsening.

The couple kissed and posed happily for photographers outside Gateshead Civic Centre, after the 30-minute ceremony.

They have had consultations with fertility experts at Newcastle's Centre for Life and hope she will soon conceive a baby from sperm frozen before he underwent intensive chemotherapy.

Mr Black, from Felling, Gateshead, said: "She looked gorgeous and I am very happy.

"Everything is going ahead very well with the baby and I am very pleased."

Miss Smith, from Washington, arrived a few minutes before the groom in a white Austin Princess car and decided to have a swift half in the pub opposite.

'Going perfectly'

Mr Black had hoped to walk to the ceremony, but his condition has left him unable to stand and he was in a wheelchair throughout.

After the ceremony Miss Smith said; "It was brilliant, it is going perfectly.

"I was a bit nervous obviously because I am getting married but everything went fine.

"It was the same as any other wedding, we are in love and everyone gets emotional.

"I just went for a drink so I didn't get my hair messed up."

The groom's mother Gillian, a 48-year-old care home worker added: "I've had a few tears today but I had to fight them back.

"Martin looked absolutely gorgeous and so does Sue and all her bridesmaids.

'A lovely day'

"We didn't think we would get him here but we did.

"It has all been a bit of a rush.

"We are having a lovely day that we are going to remember".

Mr Black's two sisters, Samantha, 27, and 16-year-old Stephanie, were bridesmaids alongside Miss Smith's sister Toni.

The couple met three years ago, shortly before he was diagnosed with leukaemia, which was in remission for eighteen months, but reappeared in January.

In April doctors told him he had a minimum of three months to live and the couple planned to marry in June and have a baby.