AN unexpected tax bill received days before their wedding spelled heartache for sweethearts David Ferguson and Debbie Birtwhistle.

Their plans for a lavish wedding reception had to be scrapped when they realised finances wouldn't stretch to paying both bills.

And they were resigned to having just a few drinks with friends aftermaking their vows, on Saturday last week.

Little did they know their neighbours on Mark Close in Lostock Hall, Preston had other plans! On Saturday morning the lovebirds headed off to the registry office for a quiet 'I do'.

Back on the street, it was all sytems go: A mini-marquee was erected, bunting tied round the lamp-posts and a huge 'Congratulations Dave and Debbie' banner spread across the road.

Their neighbours had wortked round the clock baking sausage rolls and chicken drum sticks - and even clubbed together to buy a cake.

And while they set out the buffet, the children hid at the street corner on the look-out for the newly-weds.

When Dave and Debbie arrived home, they couldn't believe their eyes. The street was transformed into a massive party and all their friends and family were there.

"It was unbelievable," laughed Debbie afterwards: "We just never expected anything like this."

Dave agreed: "I was absolutely speechless. I just gaped."

Anne Cookson and Donna Whittle who had helped organise things, had been up all night putting the final touches to decorations, planning the music and the timings.

Anne said: "When we heard they had to cancel the reception because of the tax bill, the street said we are not going to let that happen. We have a real community spirit here," she said.

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