And it was not just a 24-hour flight standing in their way, but they then also had to get a special dispensation from an Archbishop for permission to wed in St Kyneburgha Church and realise the bride's childhood dream.

Nina Wensak (28), from Hampton, in Peterborough had met her future husband Brett Morley (28), in a bar in Sydney in 2005 while taking time out as a nurse and backpacking round the world.

Nina said: "I expected to bring back lots of happy memories but I never expected to bring back a fiancé, but I always said I would get married back home.

"As neither of us were currently living in the parish we had to get a special licence to get married in the church. It may seem like a lot of hassle but I was christened there and I always wanted to get married at the church as it's so beautiful."

She was also surprised to learn she had met her very own James Bond, as Brett was in the Australian Army, training for the intelligence division.

Nina added: "Brett was worried people might laugh at him if he wore his uniform, but I was really chuffed he got married wearing it, he looked so handsome."

Nina's father, Alan, who runs a well known car dealership in the city, described the wedding of his only daughter as perfect.

He said: "Brett was really worried about wearing his uniform but we said Peterborough was supportive of its soldiers. The service was a real family affair and we were delighted they decided to come back for it and I could give her away here."

Brett's family flew from the outskirts of Sydney and have been delighted to be shown the delights of Peteborough.

Nina, a former nurse at Peterborough District Hospital, has happy memories of working there, despite the fact she was a nurse on cancer ward, 2Y.

She said: "I loved, it even though it was hard work. We had a fantastic team, who I really miss. Obviously, it was often very sad as the patients were so ill, but you felt like you could make a real difference to them."

But following the wedding, the happy couple had no time to settle into marital bliss as the honeymoon had to be postponed because Brett was whisked straight off on a training assignment.

And now despite being married in September, they have only just flown back to Australia to begin their new life as man and wife in Melbourne. And despite looking forward to returning to Australia, it would appear that Peterborough is where the heart is for Nina.

She added: "Australia is amazing, but it is a long way away from home and friends and family. So, after a few more years, we are intending to move back here to settle down."