Wedding wings of love for couple

The barn owl flew into the civil ceremony carrying the rings

A couple in Greater Manchester had a wedding with a difference when the rings were flown in by a special guest.

Fudge the barn owl flew onto the arm of groom Craig Wilson as he and Sian Davies made their vows at The White Hart in Lydgate near Oldham.

The bird belongs to family member who has a falconry centre and it is the second time it has performed the act.

The couple, whose big day was also witnessed by their pet dog, said they wanted to do "something unusual".

Staffordshire bull terrier, Cracker, was dressed in his own tie and tails for Saturday's wedding.

Speaking before the ceremony, Helen Chadfield, who has run the aviary and hawk centre in Bath for eight years, said "it would be a spectacular conclusion to the wedding and a big surprise for some of the guests".

Charles Brierley, managing director of The White Hart, added: "We have had some really unusual requests from couple's who have chosen to marry here. But this takes the biscuit - or should I say rings."