Press and paparazzi descended on tiny Compton Bassett yesterday to try to snatch a glimpse of Robbie Williams and his family at his dad’s wedding.

But Robbie was nowhere to be seen as the wedding got under way at his home.

Security was tight for the private ceremony, conducted by parish vicar Reverend Philip Bromiley.

Pete Conway, 64, and also a singer, married South African Melanie Mills, 39, at the church on the estate at Robbie’s Compton Bassett House at 2pm yesterday.

The couple met through the Donna Louise Trust, of which Robbie is patron and Melanie is head of fundraising.

Mr Conway, who proposed during a trip to Malta last year, said after his engagement: “Robbie is so, so pleased for me.

“Melanie and I have been together for two years so we thought we’d get engaged. The next thing is to plan the marriage.”

It was reported that, as Mr Conway had sung at his wedding in Los Angeles, the rock singer would be entertaining guests last night.

The preparations began for the wedding mid-morning yesterday with the approach to the church being screened off and local bell ringers called in.

Robbie’s wife Ayda Field stole the show by looking stunning in a breathtaking cream dress as she pushed a pram to the 12th century church.

Melanie was accompanied by bridesmaids and a dog and six bells rang out as the couple emerged from the church as husband and wife.

Police and private security prevented anyone who was not on the guest list from getting in.

Around a dozen villagers attempted to join the festivities but were turned away at the entrance to the estate’s private road.

One of ladies, who asked not to be named, said: “We just wanted to see if we could get in.

“I fully understand that it’s a completely private affair, but I’ve lived here for so long and gone to church here every week for 40 years, that I feel like I belong there.

“I know it’s a wedding and everything, but nobody else has had a problem with us turning up. It’s a nice day out for me.”