A BUS driver and her groom surprised passengers by catching the Number 21 to their post-wedding celebration.

Go North East driver Sue Lowes and husband Andrew tied the knot at Gateshead Register Office and hopped on the company’s 21 Angel service to Newcastle city centre.

The newly-weds and their ten guests got off at Eldon Square bus station and enjoyed an ice cream breakfast Mark Toney’s parlour.

Mrs Lowes met her future husband two years ago when her bus broke down at Durham bus station.

Mr Lowes was a security guard there and made her a cup of coffee to help her get warmed-up while she waited for a new vehicle.

She said: “The instant attraction hit us both like a frying pan in the face. I never even hoped or dreamt I’d meet someone like Andrew.”

The couple wanted to do something ‘totally different’ on their big day and because they met through buses, they decided it had to include a bus ride.

Mrs Lowes said: “When we came out of the Civic Centre and I said “right let’s go to the Interchange” they all thought I was joking.

“The faces of the people on the bus were fantastic, we had such a laugh, it was a scream - the whole day.”

Still in their wedding attire, the couple also visited Andrew’s mother in hospital and Sue’s horse, Basil, at a farm in Sacriston. On the evening they went to a fancy dress party as Dracula and Dracula’s bride.

Andrew said: “The whole day was perfect, we had a brilliant time.”

Go North East marketing and sales manager Stephen King, said: “We were flattered that Sue wanted Go North East to be part of her big day – she loves her job as a bus driver and it shows, she’s really popular with customers.”