A COUPLE have thanked Derbyshire Police for rescuing their big day after the car carrying their bridesmaids broke down.
Callan Fowler and her group of six bridesmaids were due to travel to Makeney Hall, in Milford, in a seven-seater vintage motor.
But the vehicle broke down on the A38, in Ripley, with the bridesmaids inside, leaving them stranded.
Luckily, a passing police car saw the bridesmaids and, after calling for another vehicle to assist, was able to give them a lift.
Callan, 24, said: "My first thought was for their safety as my 17-month-old daughter, Macie-Louise, was with them.
"But once I found out that they were in the police car I could laugh about it.
"All I could think was that it could only be my wedding day where the bridesmaids turn up with blues and twos!"
After a frantic scramble, a replacement car was found for Callan so she could make it to the wedding to marry her partner of eight years, Aron.
The couple, who live in Ripley, met at the funeral of Aron's friend, Drummer Thomas Wright.
Aron lost a leg in the booby trap blast that took the life of Drummer Wright.
While at Tom's funeral, Aron was introduced to Callan, a friend of the dead soldier, and they began a relationship as pen pals before falling in love.
Aron, 30, said: "I was already dressed and was having photographs taken outside Makeney Hall with my best man and page boys.
"Next thing, two police cars with their flashing lights turn up.
"As the car got closer, I saw one of the bridesmaids inside the car waving to me!
"I went and spoke to them and asked what had happened.
"I was worried about how Callan would get there but they said it had already been sorted and she would be coming in a Rolls-Royce owned by a friend of the family, Tim Lane."
The bride ended up being 10 minutes late to the wedding but was full of praise for the police officers who helped save their special day.
She said: "The police get a lot of bad press but the way they acted was fantastic and I am so thankful to them for everything they did."
Chief Inspector Tracy Lewis, head of road and policing for Derbyshire police, said: "We're delighted to be able to help in these situations.
"Hopefully their ride in the police cars added to the excitement of the day."
