FATHER-of-the-bride Tony Clarkson was determined to make his daughter's wedding that little bit special.

And as she was marrying Hong Kong national Stuart Mo King Chung, he knew exactly what to do.

Tony scouted all over China town in Manchester to find an authentic Asian taxi, a Rickshaw, to take the couple to the church. He visited every car enthusiast in the district, but after weeks of calls and false hopes, he finally gave up.

That's until he read an article in his favourite free weekly newspaper about a car rally in Astley Park, Chorley.

In the story, reporter Gill Ellis quoted Jim Coulthurst of Leyland as 'the proud owner of probably the only Rickshaw in the country'.

Tony's search was over.

"If it had not been for your article, mentioning Jim's Rickshaw, we would never have found it," Tony told the Citizen.

Two weeks later, the couple walked out of St Ignatius' Church in Meadow Street to be met by a surprise chauffeur - Jim, all dressed up as a China man - complete with Rickshaw.

Tony said: "I told Stuart that Jim was a long lost uncle of his. He looked so authentic. It was wonderful.

"The Rickshaw was beautiful, it was out of this world, better than anything I have ever seen."

"And it just goes to show what an effect the Citizen has had. Without your help help it would never had happened. You have made a couple very happy and me as well," he added.

Bride Monica, 24, was overawed, she said: "What a surprise, I was expecting to see the blue Mercedes that brought me to the church.

"It made our wedding very special when the China man greeted us with his Rickshaw, all fitted with Chinese wedding memorabilia. It was wonderful.

"My husband is from Hong Kong, he's been here for seven years and he was overwhelmed with this Oriental surprise."

Stuart, 24, a former engineering student, met Monica while they were studying in Manchester.

The pair decided to tie the knot earlier this year but most of Stuart's family couldn't come over for the ceremony.

Tony who makes aluminium roofing, said: "Next year we are all going to Honk Kong and having another wedding.

"Stuart's mother can't travel so we are going over there next year to do it again Chinese style."

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