WORCESTER city councillor Nazrul Islam was getting used to life as a married man today.

He travelled by stretch-limousine to Birmingham for his wedding yesterday, where he presented his bride's family with gold jewellery as a dowry.

On Saturday the 24-year-old councillor, who represents All Saints, had been daubed with herbs by his friends as part of a pre-nuptial "Mendi" ceremony to ensure he smelt pleasant for his bride.

Coun Islam had the palm of his hand painted with henna and was robed in traditional Bangladeshi costume prior to the wedding celebrations, which lasted throughout the afternoon and early evening.

He and his wife, Sumi Ahktar-Islam, intend to have a reception next Sunday at County Hall in Worcester.

"Between 500 and 600 people are invited and I'm expecting quite a few councillors to attend," said Coun Islam at his home in Chestnut Walk, Worcester, today.