CRICKETERS are used to play being halted by rain - but to pull up the stumps to make way for a wedding has to be a first.

However, that is exactly what happened as Crakehall played Blubberhouses in a Nidderdale League match.

It is traditional for brides whose families live in cottages by the green, in Crakehall, to walk to church rather than be driven by car.

And when local girl Helen Stubbs made her way to her wedding to Jonathan Umpleby, of South Otterington, she decided to keep with tradition.

As she walked to St Gregory's Church, the cricketers not only stopped play, but also gave her a sporting guard of honour.

When play got under way again, the home side went on to achieve a comfortable victory, beating Blubberhouses by seven wickets.