September 26, 1998: LITTLE Marlow residents are still coming to terms with their new-found fame after their village hosted the first Spice Girl wedding.

Thousands of fans, photographers and reporters descended on Church Lane on Sunday to try to catch a glimpse of Scary Spice Mel B and the girls when she married dancer Jimmy Gulzar at St John the Baptist Church.

Verger Amy Meaden, who has lived in the village since 1946, said she had never seen anything like it.

She added: "I don't suppose we will see the like of it again. I am sure they will be good for the village."

Mrs Meaden, who was invited to the wedding, said: "When she came into the church she said 'I saw you on the television'. I am looking forward to meeting her again when I deliver the newsletters."

There was a gospel choir singing, and the organ music was played by William Falconer, of Sir William Borlase's Grammar School.

Church warden Peter Burn said: "The service was held and conducted in the normal way we would hold any wedding here. There were no special arrangements."

William Northcroft, chairman of Little Marlow Residents' Association, said: "On the day there was an atmosphere because the fans and the village turned out. It was a bit like a party atmosphere. I don't know anybody who was too concerned. It's just a pity they had to be so secretive."