Schoolchildren learned about the sanctity of marriage when taking part in a mock wedding at a church in Ipswich this morning.

Around 60 reception pupils, aged four to five, from Castle Hill Infant School were taught the importance of making marriage vows at St Mary and St Botolph Church in Whitton Church Lane.

Rhianna Overton and Oliver Horne were chosen as the bride and groom by their classmates. They blew each other a kiss at the altar before cutting a traditional wedding cake.

There was a best man, a maid of honour, hand-made confetti and a pack of young photographers.

Sherise Richardson, foundation stage leader at the school, said it was an “amazing day”.

She said: “The children were so engaged during the whole service. They were captivated; mesmerised. They were glued to the reverend and everything he said. You could hear a pin drop.

“They now thoroughly understand weddings and what goes into it and what it means.

“A lot of the parents of the children also came and they were brilliant. They worked so hard to help us get it all together on time.”

The mock wedding was organised as the children continue to learn about different types of celebrations.

Mrs Richardson said: “We have had whole school topics on celebrations and the children are learning about traditional weddings and all the things that go with them, such as lucky charms and something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.

“We look at all different types of cultures and next week we are looking at Indian weddings.

“But it is really important they learn about British culture and getting married in a church is a prime example of something that is cherished in Britain.”

Andrew Dotchin, reverend of St Mary and St Botolph Church, conducted the mock wedding and reflected on a “wonderful” occasion.

Rev Dotchin said: “The groom was dressed in military uniform because his father is in the Armed Forces, so in addition to the wedding we followed the tradition of military weddings where the Bride leaves flowers at the war memorial. They stood in silence and were very well behaved.

“The Bride’s parents also got married at the same church in 2008, so there was a bit of history repeating itself.

“I think the children learned something about celebrating community. There were smiles all round and it was a very happy day.”