TWO furry friends have tied the knot in the wedding of the year in the ferret world.

In what was thought to be a species first, inseparable cage-mates Lady Truffle and Crusher Hoblet were married at Beamish Museum, in County Durham.

The unlikely nuptials took place in a packed chapel at the museum’s old colliery village site.

Both arrived in style, respectively in a Beauford Grand Tourer and in a Daimler Limousine, supplied for the occasion by Classic Wedding Cars.

Lady Truffle, sporting an elegant white silk diamante wedding gown, was ‘given away’ by local vet Jason Atherton, while Karen Davy, owner of ‘best man’ ferret Monsta, accompanied a tux and tails-sporting Crusher during the formalities.

Monsta and ferret bridesmaids, Gracie, Garlic and Claudia, all in matching blue outfits, also took part in the traditional ceremony which followed.

It featured the taking of vows, the swapping of rings and the usual nervous moments when ‘priest’ for the day, Barrie Bellwood, asked if anyone present knew of any just cause or impediment as to why the happy couple could not be lawfully wed.

There was a relieved silence enabling the sweethearts to embrace their union to applause from the congregation, featuring fellow ferrets and their owners.

But there was also a smattering of bemused museum visitors who had probably not expected to be viewing such a spectacle on their Christmas Eve tour of the open air heritage site, near Stanley.

Thanks to modern technology proceedings were also witnessed via live video link to fellow ferret enthusiasts in the USA and Australia.

The newlyweds then celebrated with their guests at a ‘reception’ staged at the Pets at Home store, in The Galleries, at Washington, on Wearside.

Monday’s marriage of the more than matey carnivorous mammals was the idea of Lady Truffle and Crusher Hoblet’s owners, Karen Webb, and partner, Mr Bellwood, who run the nearby North Pennine Welfare Charity (NPWC).

Ms Webb said she was surprised just how many people turned up at the chapel to observe the momentous events.

“It’s lovely to see such a good turn-out.

“It was staged as a bit of fun to highlight that ferrets are not just horrible, dirty animals, as they are usually portrayed.

“They can make lovely pets, capable of living indoors, to be treated in the same way as other household companions, like dogs and cats.”

She added that the charity is happy to offer advice and information to anyone thinking of taking in a ferret as a pet.

Further information is available via the NPWC, on 01207-237458.