SEVEN appears to be the lucky number for hundreds of couples tying the knot this year with 07/07/07 being picked as the most popular day to say 'I do'.

According to Hampshire County Council's Registration Services 83 couples have chosen this date to marry in the county.

The Registration Services conducts civil marriages that take place in Register Offices and local Approved Premises. In recent years the Registration Service has seen a significant increase in the number of couples choosing to have a civil wedding service, mirroring the national trend away from religious ceremonies.

In Hampshire the number of Approved Premises now totals 128. Popular venues include the Hampshire Rosebowl, stately homes and country hotels.