CLOSE encounters of the harmonious kind awaited music loving newly weds when they arrived at their reception venue.

As bride Margaret Lloyd and bridegroom Bob Sinclair-Tomlinson were ushered into the Calf's Head Hotel, Worston, near Clitheroe, 35 members of Preston Barber Shop Harmony Singers appeared from every corner to serenade them.

And it was a truly "wonderful feeling, wonderful day" as the male chorus burst into a rendition of 'Zip-a-dee-doo-dah" for the stunned couple.

As Margaret was rendered speechless, Bob declared himself "flabbergasted" at the surprise serenading which had been organised by Margaret's daughter, Julie Lloyd-Mullen as a gift from the family.

"I saw the Barber Shop singers performing in Burnley shopping centre about six weeks ago and thought it would be a lovely idea to have them sing at mum's wedding," said Julie. "I knew both she and Bob appreciated music but also wanted it to be a surprise for them."

The hardest task was keeping the arrangements secret from the couple, who began their day with a service at Cambridge Street Methodist Church, in Accrington, where they live.

The singers, many of whom live in East Lancashire, had to time their practise and warm-up in one of the hotel's reception rooms.

Meanwhile booking secretary Ken Ireland kept in mobile-phone contact with Julie. As an added safety measure, the couple, who are in their mid-60s and for whom marriage is the second time around, were whisked onto Pendle Hill for a champagne toast.

"It was absolutely marvellous," said Margaret, who met Bob while playing indoor bowls at Hyndburn Sports Centre, last March.

"I can't believe it was arranged and we knew nothing about it."

The couple were treated to a series of popular numbers from the singers, locally known as the Red Rose Chorus, including Goodnight Sweetheart, Moonriver, Dream and Georgia.

They then jetted away for a long honeymoon in Australia where Bob has relations.

The Barber Shop Singers compete all over the country and meet each week for practise sessions in Preston.

They also have a ladies section, the Red Rose Rosettes.

For information of how to book them ring Mr Ireland on 01200 425466. And, if the event is a surprise, they are very good at keeping secrets!