A dream wedding turned into a disaster after 24 guests went down with food poisoning, including the groom.

Matthew Bourne and Tracey Coppin, of Brightlingsea, got married at the town's All Saints' parish church followed by a reception at Colne Yacht Club.

But on Tuesday night, a third of the guests were complaining of a stomach bug and sickness.

One guest started to vomit blood in the early hours of Wednesday and a doctor had to be called. Buffet food was prepared by Colne Yacht Club and some desserts were prepared by the bride's father George Coppin, a patisserie chef.

Rod Andrews, partner of Mr Bourne's mother Stella, said it only became clear on Wednesday night how many people were affected.

He said: "At the reception, 70 people turned up and, of these, 24 went down with food poisoning. Many of them have been off work for several days, including myself.

"They (Matthew and Tracey) had gone to great lengths to get everything right. This has totally completely ruined the whole day."

The couple are currently on honeymoon in Cyprus and will be returning in a week's time.

Mr Andrews spoke to the couple on Friday night to discover Mr Bourne had been sick for three days. His new wife and their daughter Jessyca were not affected.

Environmental health officers from Tendring Council have launched an investigation and are set to contact all the people who fell ill.

A spokesman for Colne Yacht Club said the matter was being dealt with by their solicitors and could not comment further.

Published Monday, May 19, 2003

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