Friday Folk

BEST man Mark Hughes had to make sure the bridegroom got to the church on time - so the rally driver took him in his racing car!

Bridegroom and rally co-driver Irvine Holtom arrived with time to spare at Padiham Methodist Church to wed his bride Susan Dodd, who also shares his love of motor racing.

Mark then whisked newlyweds Irvine and eye specialist Susan, who live in Raglan Road, Burnley, to their reception at Mytton Fold Farm Hotel, Langho.

Higham-born Irvine said: "We could have arrived at the reception a long time before the guests in the rally car but Mark had to observe the speed limits."

He added: "Sue and I met at a wedding and got on well because we both liked motor racing.

"We decided it would be apt and something a bit different to use the rally car for the wedding."

Sue said: "The guests were really surprised and drivers pipped their horns all the way to the church and reception."

Irvine and friend Damian Whittle are both co-drivers, navigators and mechanics for the rally team, whose driver is Mark.

The team, who were voted Best Newcomers of the Pendle and District Motor Club, are set to compete in the Tour of Mull rally in October.

Irvine said: "We are looking forward to the race.

"Unfortunately, there is nowhere for us to practise so we just turn up for the race and do our best.

"We are all looking forward to it."

He added: "Sue doesn't rally drive but I bought her a day at a rally school for her birthday and she did really well.

"It did frighten her a bit, though."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.