It's wedding 'bray' as donkey joins couple for matrimonial celebrations (From The Northern Echo)

It's wedding 'bray' as donkey joins couple for matrimonial celebrations

3:07pm Tuesday 7th February 2012 in Tyne and Wear News

A GROOM invited a donkey to his wedding after a holiday mishap saw his fiancee chased by a hungry ass.

Bride Cathryn Dickinson was shocked when Silver the donkey turned up and reminded her of the embarrassing incident which took place in the New Forest last year.

Groom Mick, 46, explained: "We had decided to feed a donkey as we were picnicking in the car at the side of a lake.

"But the donkey then put her head into the car.

"We started to laugh and eventually the donkey got out of the car.

"Then, when we had finished Cathryn decided to feed the ducks on the lake with the leftover crusts.

"But the donkey saw her get out of the car and must have thought any food was for her and proceeded to chase her round and round the car.

"After eventually getting back into the car we laughed and laughed.

"When I was working in the New Forest later in the year I joked that I had left an invite to the wedding for the donkey."

And the surprise went down a storm with 38-year-old secretary Cathryn as they arrived for their reception along with 50 guests.

Coach driver Mick, of Washington, Tyne and Wear, said: "Cathryn's face was an absolute picture."

Silver's home is nature attraction Down at the Farm, in Houghton, Tyne and Wear.

Owners Catherine and Will Weightman were able to lend out the donkey for the big day.

Catherine said: "We were delighted to bring Silver the donkey along to the wedding.

"It was an unusual request that we couldn't say no to and the winter snow made it all the more magical.."

Mick and Cathryn are now off to enjoy a short honeymoon in Scarborough, staying at the same hotel they were at when they got engaged 14 months ago.

They plan to take an extended break in Italy this summer.