Girl marries car in name of art

Samantha says her car has a male personality

A student has taken part in a marriage ceremony with a difference as part of a final year art project.

Samantha Webster-Connor, 18, from Selston said "I do" to a B-registered Mini at Mansfield's West Nottinghamshire College.

The ceremony was a performance piece for the college's foundation course in visual arts and design.

The project is aimed at exploring people's relationships with their cars. Samantha calls her Mini "Stanley".

I am passionate about my car and believe it to have a distinctive male personality Samantha Webster-Connor, art student

Fellow students acted as bridesmaids, best man and vicar for the ceremony, which was filmed at the college.

Samantha and Stanley, who was dressed up in a top hat for the occasion then celebrated their union with a reception party at the Chesterfield Road campus.

Speaking after the ceremony, Samantha admitted that the project may bemuse the general public.

She said: "I know some people will think I'm crazy but then you're always going to get that.

Car names

"I am passionate about my car and believe it to have a distinctive male personality.

"What I am trying to highlight with the performance is the fact that some people spend so much time in their cars, give them names and really treat them as humans."

Samantha is hoping to go on to study for a degree in art at the University of Lincoln in September.

The work will be displayed in the Visual Arts and Design show at the college in June.