A RECTOR pulled out all the stops when a parishioner asked him to arrange a wedding ceremony with just three days notice.

Joanne Ferguson, a former member of the choir at St Peter's Church, Burnley, made the plea when her fiancee, soldier Stephen Holland, was on leave from Northern Ireland.

The couple had chosen the date five weeks earlier but had been unable to secure a booking for a church service.

When the Rev Quentin Wilson heard of their plight he quickly went into action and made all the arrangements for the big day.

He said: "Unfortunately, because the church was 'between rectors', Joanna had difficulty reaching me.

"When finally she did it was the day before New Year's Day and only three days before the couple wanted to get married.

"I decided to do my best to make sure she could be married in the church with which she had so many links."

He called on deputy diocesan registrar Nicola Harding who also agree to offer her services at short notice.

By chance a friend who is the director of music at Bedford High School was in the area and was happy to stand in for the church organist, who had a prior booking.

"Everything was as it should be and even the sun came out for a minute when the couple left the church. I wish them lots of luck for the future.," added Mr Wilson.

Joanna, from Eliza Street, Burnley, was given away by her brother-in-law Stephen Nevison and attended by Leanne Ferguson and Betheney Holland.

Stephen, from Worsthorne, had Richard Wynn as best man.

The couple travelled in a gold Rolls Royce during the day and had their reception at Alexander Hotel, Burnley. They have started their married life in Northern Ireland.

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