A COUPLE from Stourport who have devoted their lives to racehorses decided their wedding should be no different and arrived at their venue on horseback.

Bride Claire Hunt didn't let her floor-length wedding gown and veil get in the way when she straddled 26-year-old retired racehorse Jet Specials and joined partner Darron for the 25-minute ride from their stables in Abberley to the Manor Arms.

They waved to locals who lined the streets to watch them pass and family and friends watched in amazement as the couple arrived at the venue with four horses.

Claire and Darron, who have five children between them from previous marriages, run an equine health spa and rehabilitation centre in the village and wanted the animals to play a central part in their special day.

The happy couple also named the reception tables after ex-racehorses and made decorations from old horse shoes.

Claire, aged 53, said: "I've had horses most of my life - I've been riding since I was eight years old - and my partner got into them when we met back when I was competing.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

"They're a big part of our lives and we wanted our wedding to be about horses too.

"We rode them from our yard to the ceremony. Darron was in full riding gear and I was in my wedding dress and a top hat but the old boy I rode was as good as gold. He wasn't bothered about my dress being all over his back."

She added: "The guests were amazed. They knew we were arriving on horseback because I'd said to keep the car park clear, but they were all taking photos and videos when we got there. It was quite surreal."