A STATELY home that is being restored to its former glory welcomes its first wedding tomorrow.

Childhood sweethearts Andrew Earnshaw and Amy Lodge, from Brighouse, will become the first couple to tie the knot at Somerset House, Halifax.

They will marry in the Georgian building’s stunning Grand Salon.

The house in Rawson Street in the town centre had been hidden by a row of shops since 1901.

Calderdale Council has taken over the lease for the first-floor Grand Salon, one of the main features in the building, and it will now play host to celebrations such as weddings.

One of the most striking aspects is the ornate carved plasterwork on the walls and the ceiling of the salon.

The rococo plasterwork is one of the finest examples of its kind and is thought to be the work of Italian craftsman Giuseppe Cortese.

Andrew and Amy’s wedding is the first of two being held there tomorrow.

Dozens more are already booked.