IT was back to school days for a Colley Gate couple who were “married” by their children for a TV show.

Anthony Oakes and Gemma Ford said “I do” dressed as school kids, complete with pigtails and short trousers.

They had been whisked away to Bilton Grange Preparatory School, near Rugby, by the BBC who had been in cahoots with their four children Caitlin, aged 11, Jack, aged 10, Toby, aged eight and Ryan, aged six, who dreamed up a school-themed wedding.

The couple, for whom life “had got in the way” of marrying, despite becoming engaged 16 years ago, are looking forward to their big day being screened on CBeebies in the summer as part of the Marrying Mum and Dad series.

Gemma, aged 34, a teacher at Lutley Primary School and Anthony, aged 35, a high level teaching assistant at Blackheath Primary School, were legally married the day before at Dudley Register Officer.

“I had the best of both worlds – the white dress, but in the register office and then my dad walked me down the aisle in the chapel. I was very happy even though I was wearing such a bizarre outfit and looked like a five-year-old,” said Gemma.

The couple, of Hammersley Close, travelled to the venue with their guests in a yellow school bus.

Their children wore cap and gown and took on the role of bossy teachers for the day, while the family and guests enjoyed an explosive chemistry lesson, PE workout with a giant egg and spoon race and assault course, and an exploding wedding cake.

The dining hall was decked out with giant props, including candles, books and pencils and Gemma’s bespoke outfit – a blue and white school dress with traditional accessories and massive bow – was only finished at 6pm the night before and rushed to the venue from its London maker.