AS THE eyes of the world begin to focus on the Royal Wedding, a North Lincolnshire couple are preparing for their own big day.

Amy Platts and John McKenzie are set to get married on Friday, the same day as Prince William's wedding to Kate Middleton.

BRIDE AND GROOM: Amy Platts and John McKenzie, who are getting married on Friday.

The theatre-loving couple from Broughton, both aged 27, booked their wedding before the royal engagement was announced.

And with just days to go before they tie the knot, they say preparations are going well.

John said: "Since January, we've done all our invitations and got the menu plans sorted out. We've got our music sorted and we've been planning it through.

"It's all done now and we're raring to go. We know our first song, but it's a secret.

"I'm excited really. It's been a long time planning for just one day and I'm excited about starting a new bit of our lives."

But although the plans are almost complete, there are some butterflies about the big day. John said: "I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous about things that could go wrong on the day."

He added he thought it was good to get married on the same day as royalty and knew a few guests who will be coming for the evening do after having a royal party during the day.

"We think that's nice," he added.

"We're not going for one- upmanship, but we booked our wedding before they did.

"I think it's great they're getting married on the same day as it's another way to remember the day by."

John and Amy will get married at Scawby Church, before a reception at the White Heather near Market Rasen.

Bride-to-be Amy also said preparations for the day had gone well.

She said: "It has all gone fine. Everything is organised and my hen do was in the same week as Prince William's stag do.

"John has had his stag do and I have had a final dress fitting and everything is really organised now. We can't get over the fact that it is less than a week away."

And Amy said she was also pleased to be sharing her big day with the royal couple.

She said: "It is really lovely.

"I was unsure when they first announced it but I am loving it now. People are so excited that it is the same day as the royals' and everybody has been so nice, congratulating us and wishing us all the best.

"It would have been like that anyway, but this makes it extra special."