AN explosion wrecked a couple's latest attempt to celebrate their wedding after a previous marriage attempt was called off.

Richard Mahoney, 44, and new wife Judy, 38, held a Caribbean-themed wedding party near their home after their first wedding was wrecked when the Boxing Day tsunami hit Sri Lanka.

They were married on July 5 and had planned a party for friends and family on Sunday.

But their celebration was halted after an explosion ripped through a neighbouring workshop and scrapyard in Byker, Newcastle.

The blast brought the East End of the city to a standstill as Metros and trains between Newcastle and Scotland were cancelled.

Mr Mahoney, from Heaton, Newcastle, said: "We were just about to have our first dance and then we heard explosions.

"Soon after, we were all chucked out. But you have got to look on the bright side -I am a terrible dancer."

The fire started at AMC Dismantlers workshop and scrapyard in Boyd Street, as a steel drum band played at the party. The guests were evacuated and the area was cordoned off by fire crews.

More than 50 firefighters fought for two hours to control the flames.

Meanwhile the wedding party relocated to the Queen's Arms pub nearby. An investigation is under way into the cause of the blaze.