Burnley couple get chance to say 'I do' after 'wedding planner' neighbours throw them surprise lockdown ceremony

Neighbours of Susan Speak and her fiance Dave Holmes became instant wedding planners when they discovered that, like so many other couples, their dream day at The Oaks Hotel followed by a honeymoon cruise, had to be cancelled due to the pandemic.

Determined to give mum-of-three Susan, and Dave, a day to remember the Padiham Road neighbours each took on different roles. Gary Lee acted as the 'vicar,' officiating at a short service and they were even presented with a wedding certificate.

The official 'photographer' was Liz Watson and her husband Nigel set up a champagne bar.

Gary's son Kieron was called on to DJ and he made sure the couple's first dance was The Miracle of Love by Eurythmics, the song they have chosen to play when they take to the floor to on their big day.

Susan was even presented with a beautiful veil to make her feel like a bride and Dave, who is a dad of one, was presented with a tie and buttonhole.

Susan said: "It was absolutely wonderful what they did for us, I can't thank them enough.

"It was such a surprise because, they really did us proud and we had no idea about it at all.

"We had planned just to have a quiet drink in the garden, just the two of us, because I was feeling very emotional about it all.

"But we knew something was happening when one of the neigbours asked Dave to help him with something and he came back and told me I was needed too."

The couple's actual wedding day has now been rescheduled for October and they are planning a honeymoon in Tenerife.

Susan said:"We are really looking forward to the day, it will be more special than ever now."