Prince William's local wedding

Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton have invited the bride-to-be's local butcher, postman and pub landlord to their wedding.

The royal couple have sent gold-embossed invitations to a handful of locals in the village of Bucklebury in Berkshire, southern England - where Kate grew up - with the brunette beauty said to be determined to make her April 29 a "village affair".

Butcher Martin Fidler, who has been invited along to the nuptials with his wife Sue, said: "We're really looking forward to the day.

"We've known Kate's mother Carole for years, before she met Kate's father Mike. They've got on with their lives, built up a good business and all their children are a credit to them."

Village postman Ryan Naylor is also on the list along with John Haley, landlord of the Old Boot Inn where the pair - who have dated for eight years - sometimes go for a quiet drink.

Meanwhile, Chan Shingadia and her husband Hash - who own the local convenience store - have already accepted their invitation.

Mrs. Shingadia told Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper: "We've really got to know Kate. She is really caring. She is like a human being, not a celebrity, and she is always a good customer. William is very down to earth."

William and Kate are believed to have invited some 1,900 guests to their nuptials at Westminster Abbey, including family, friends, members of the public, politicians, charity workers and celebrities such as David and Victoria Beckham.