'Proper' wedding after 30 years

They tied the knot in Lewes Register Office before two witnesses. There was no photographer, no wedding dress, no reception and no honeymoon.

But the marriage has been an extra happy one, with three boys and a girl and five grand-children.

So, 30 years later, the couple decided to try for another ceremony and do it properly this time.

John arrived by stretch limousine for Saturday's service of blessing at Offham Church. Hilda, radiant in a bridal gown, arrived in a vintage Matador lorry!

The Rev Derek Bastide conducted a joyful service and 140 guests were later entertained to a slap-up reception at St Mary's social centre.

The happy couple, of East Way, made it a day to remember by spending the night at the Grand Hotel in Eastbourne.

Said John: 'It worked a treat. We shall do it again on our 50th anniversary.'

And Hilda said: 'We had nothing the first time but this time we had everything. It was out of this world, the best day of my life.'

l LEFT: Doing it on a grand scale 30 years later: John and Hilda walk down the aisle at Offham Church.