A GLEAMING red fire engine transported a bride and groom from the church to their wedding reception in Malvern.

Antonia Kimberley and Mark Pearson were amazed when they saw the vehicle waiting by the Mug House Inn in the churchyard of St John the Baptist Church, Claines, after their wedding.

Mother of the bride Julia Kimberley said: "The bride and groom were absolutely delighted when they came out of the church and saw the beautiful machine parked in the churchyard."

Antonia and Mark were accompanied by the bride's nephew James, aged four, and the groom's niece Jessica, aged three, on their unusual journey to the Foley Arms Hotel, in Malvern.

Norman Barrow, Pick-ersleigh neighbourhood warden and a former firefighter, drove the fire engine, which was decorated for the event.

Mr Barrow and his partner Deb Fletcher, from Lower Broadheath, run an unusual business, Chariots of Fire, hiring out the decommissioned engine for children's parties. Mark and Antonia's wedding was the first time it had been used at a marriage.

Mrs Kimberley arranged the surprise with Norman when he advertised at a wedding fair in the Fownes Hotel, Worcester.

Antonia is originally from Worcester and works in the public affairs office of Heathrow Airport, where she met Mark.