Here's one bridesmaid who is unlikely to run away with the best man...

Lulu the three-year-old lhasa apso dog, was an unusual choice of bridesmaid for one couple, but the newlyweds insist it made their day.

Darrell and Susannah Howard, of Fronks Road, Dovercourt, had a traditional white wedding with one unexpected twist - their sixth bridesmaid was fluffy family pet, Lulu.

The couple had six bridesmaids, five of which were their daughters, Tara, 18, Naomi, 14, Eleanor, 10, Darrell's youngest daughter Isabel, eight, and Susannah's youngest, Isobel, also aged eight.

Mr Howard, 45, said: "Lulu is just part of the family, she belongs to my daughter, Isabel and the two are inseparable, so it made sense to make her one of our bridesmaids too. We went to the vicar and asked if he would mind if Lulu was one of the bridesmaids and he didn't."

Lulu was determined to be the star of the show and when the vicar declared the happy couple man and wife, she jumped up on her hind legs and clapped her paws together.

Mr Howard said: "When she stood on her back legs and got up and clapped it sold the show really. The guests just gasped in disbelief!"

The wedding was held at St Michael's Church, in Ramsey.

  • More in today's Gazette