A BRAVE bride -- lucky to be alive following a freak farm accident -- got married this week, on crutches.

Love conquered all for 26-years-old Emma Barlow who refused to cancel Tuesday's wedding ceremony after suffering a double leg fracture three weeks ago when part of a tractor grab pinned her to the ground.

Despite the pain she hobbled down the aisle on her father Peter's arm to join fiance, farmer John Harrison, 43, for a civil ceremony in front of 62 guests at The Oaks at Walkden.

The couple continued with their afternoon reception at the restaurant, but an evening get together for 100 guests was cancelled. Instead it will be held to celebrate their first anniversary.

Emma was helping with fencing at her home, Moss House Farm at Boothstown when the accident happened on July 24.

She said: "All the cows had got out and the fencing had to be fixed. I was helping when part of a tractor grab fell on my leg and one of the spikes went through it. I was knocked over but didn't feel a thing. It must have been the shock. I couldn't move.

"An ambulance was called, but because it couldn't get to me, I had to be carried back to the house in the tractor bucket before being taken to Hope Hospital for treatment to compound fractures of the right tibia and fibula.

"I was operated on immediately to have a pin put in my shinbone, and had another operation two days later to clean up the wounds and staple them together.

"I shall be hobbling about on crutches for the next few weeks, but I couldn't let that stop the wedding."

Arrived from Dubai

Emma's mum, Marlene, arrived from Dubai early to help prepare for the wedding, which had been planned since February.

"She got more than she bargained for," said Emma, whose father, Peter, joined the family last week.

Emma, who wore a full-length ivory-coloured dress, had to forego her wedding shoes to wear one shoe and a white decorated trainer.

She said: "I've been in real pain but I'm lucky to be alive. I would like to thank everyone for their help, including Jenny Curry at Wedding Belles in Leigh, who rushed through the dress fittings for me and my three bridesmaids."

Fortunately the couple had not planned a honeymoon because August is a busy time on the farm, but they hope to take a winter break.

Emma said: "I've done really well since the accident. It doesn't seem very funny at the moment, but one day I'll be able to look back at my wedding photographs and have a good laugh."