A VICAR had quite a baptism into the world of water sports when he was twice tipped into the River Tees while blessing the marriage of two jet-ski fanatics.

The Reverend Paul Walker, the spirited Vicar of St Mary's, Norton, Stockton, managed to keep his head above the water - only just - when he fell into the river.

Teessiders Paula and Colin Green were married in a register office earlier this year, but asked Mr Walker to bless their wedding sitting astride a jet-ski, in the middle of the river, just before the launch of the fourth round of the British Jet-Ski Championships at Stockton, at the weekend.

But it was the vicar and not the bride who made the splash on her big day.

Only moments after setting out for the rendezvous on the back of a jet ski, Mr Walker fell off twice - the second time nearly taking his "chauffeur", defending British and European jet-ski champion Aaron Smith, in with him.

As he took his second plunge, the jet-ski keeled over on to its side.

Despite being soaked, his hair plastered to his head and water running into his eyes, down his nose and neck, the clergyman carried out the blessing - after which Aaron took his revenge.

The racer gave his machine full throttle, sending it bucking over the surface. He admitted trying to put the fear of God into the clergyman. Mr Walker said he succeeded.

Mr Walker said he had no regrets.

He said: "It's a free ride on a jet-ski. I conduct 48 weddings a year and anything that varies it is welcome.

"If anyone fancies getting married on top of Mount Everest, I will consider it."