CLERGY from Tavistock Parish Church are gearing up to take part in a Bridal Fayre at the town's Bedford Hotel on Sunday, October 18.

Representing St Eustachius Church on the day will be local curate the Rev Tim Treanor, who is looking forward to 'pitching his wares'.

Jane Waters, marketing manager at the Bedford Hotel, said that although the hotel has a licence to hold its own civil ceremonies, having a stall for the church will not be direct competition.

She said: 'It simply offers additional choice and makes Tavistock the perfect wedding destination. A ceremony in the beautiful church, followed by welcome drinks in the hotel's historic walled garden and then a sumptuous wedding breakfast in the new function room, Gallery 26 — a stunning combination of old and new.

'As the church and hotel both lie within the boundaries of the old Benedictine Abbey it seems most apt that both should come together once again.'

Michael Brierley, priest-in-charge of Tavistock and Gulworthy, said: 'In a culture where different wedding venues are on offer, why shouldn't the church be upfront about what it has to offer?

'It's up to us to get out there and tell people about the hugely good stuff we're able to provide. We're delighted to take a stand at the wedding fayre and meet people.

'People often have lots of questions to ask about weddings, about what is and isn't possible in church, and are surprised when they find out that a lot more things are possible than they might think, and often not as expensive as they think. So it's great that we're able to be at this fayre and talk with couples, answer their questions, and encourage them to have the best possible start to married life.'