Here comes the bride in a 44-tonner

It was a weight off his mind when Black Country bridegroom Richard Palmer hitched a ride in a lorry to his big day.

The trucker had been worried a snowfall might prevent him getting to the church on time.

So he decided the most reliable mode of transport would be a juggernaut.

Richard, aged 27, of Warwick Road, Netherton, Dudley, works for Joseph Holloway Ltd of Churchbridge, Oldbury, which supplied three 44-ton Scania Toplines to take him, his best man and other guests to church on Saturday.

He tied the knot with Helen Johnson, aged 27, of Islington, Halesowen, at St Andrew's churc, Highbridge Road, Netherton,.

Speaking after the ceremony, Richard said: "I'm relieved there was not one snowflake, but I thought it was better to be prepared because of the recent bad weather we have had and that's why I thought of going to the ceremony in a lorry.

"I want to say a big thank you to my boss, Matt Holloway, for loaning the lorries."

Bride Helen said: "I was into trucks before I met Richard, but he really got me interested. I love sitting in the cab with him and driving on the open road."

It took three people to help petite Helen into one of the lorries decorated with rosettes and a sash to take the happy couple to the Village Hotel, Castle Gate, Dudley, for a reception.

Richard has two children aged six and two, and Helen has a six-year-old son.

The Elvis fan said they could not afford a honeymoon, but hoped to save up for a trip to Graceland.