IT WAS animal crackers when two Blackwell police officers were sentenced to a long and happy life together.

Police Sergeant Stuart Crebbin and wife Tracey were given an unusual start to married life when their two horses and three rescue dogs were star guests at a wedding with a difference.

Stuart, aged 30 and his wife Tracey, 36, a constable in the horse division, are such animal lovers they decided they wantedtheir pets at the civil wedding at the Old Rose and Crown in Rednal.

Chester, a lurcher, and Charlie, a greyhound, were dressed in the colours of the groom whilst Millie, a female lurcher, was decked out in the colours of the bride. All three joined the procession to follow the couple down the aisle.

Not to be left out were horses Blue, who pulled the carriage that took Tracey to the wedding and Oscar, who was off duty but enjoyed pride of place on the guest list.

"It was very different and very special. The wedding took a year to organise but it was all worthwhile," said Stuart.

"Tracey is soft on animals and wanted them to be with us. She knew about the dogs but having the horses at the wedding as well was a surprise."

It is not known if the dogs and horses stayed on for the reception and disco that ended an "animal" magic day.