A VICAR last night denied headbutting a wedding photographer at his church.

Canon Richard Smith said he slipped while wearing leather shoes and full robes while approaching photographer Graeme Kitching at St Cuthbert's Church in Billingham, on Saturday.

He rejected claims by newlyweds Andrea and Richard Dawkins, now on honeymoon in Gran Canaria, that he attacked the photographer before their service because the bride was late for her wedding.

The couple said the "scuffle" had ruined their wedding and that they were considering seeking compensation.

But last night Mr Smith, 57, said: "The couple were well looked after and very appreciative right up to the wedding."

He explained how he had slipped down the grass by the church head first towards the photographer.

"He didn't strike me," he said. "He might have been flailing about trying to stand up but there was definitely no fighting.

"I was wearing robes and had a Bible in my hand. The photographer even realised it was a slip and was fine with it later on."

But bridesmaid Anne Corfield said she saw the vicar lurch towards the photographer after he was accused of double-booking the church. She said: "The photographer grabbed Andrea when she got to the gates then tried to stop for another picture before she went into the church."

"I think he had reached the end of his tether because there was another couple due. He really went for him and after that they started grappling with each other on the floor."

Mrs Corfield said the vicar then got up, dusted himself off and took the service.

After the wedding stunned guests were told about what happened outside the church prior to the ceremony, she said.