A bridegroom nearly didn't make it to church on time after a hired bus broke down ten miles away.

Panic set in as Caroline Rixson, 31, and Paul Vaufrouard, 29, were due to wed at St Margaret's Church, Stanford-le-Hope.

Paul, his best man and two friends are regulars at the trendy Vie Bar in Leigh Broadway.

They were treated to free pre-wedding drinks in their top hat and tails - then planned to go to the church in an open-top bus.

But the bus broke down as it was about to leave the bar.

Staff from Vie scrambled taxis to take the guests while co-owner Julie Hammond drove the hapless groom and pals to the church.

The replacement bus arrived at the bar too late - but everyone made it.

Julie said later: "The poor groom was a bit concerned when the bus broke down, but we managed to put him at ease.

"Other guests told me that apart from the bus mishap everything went off very well."

Julie added: "I understand the bus eventually got to the church and was able to take guests to the reception at The Lawns in Rochford.

"It was a lovely day and everyone had a smashing time."

The couple, of Dundonald Drive, Leigh, are going to Barbados for their honeymoon.

The company which supplied the bus, Stephensons Coaches of South Street, Rochford, refused to comment.

All smiles - the wedding party before they knew the bus had conked out!

Picture: STEPHEN LLOYD

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