A COUPLE'S fairy tale wedding, planned at a major heritage site, looked like turning into a nightmare for a couple when the attraction went into administration.

But a local hostelry stepped in at the eleventh hour to ensure the happy couple enjoyed a wedding to remember.

Ivan Judd and Elaine Hales had been planning their dream wedding at Morwellham Quay for months, but as Friday, September 25 grew closer, news broke that the site was going into administration.

Ivan, who is a prison officer on the resettlement unit at Dartmoor Prison, said: 'The day was to include a three-course sit-down reception at the Ship Inn, a wedding ceremony performed by the village blacksmith over the anvil and down by the riverside and then an evening in the Ship Inn with a buffet and a live, nine-piece band.

'But as the day grew closer the spectre of receivership appeared and the trustees at Morwellham were unable to guarantee the wedding would be able to go ahead.'

With only nine days left until the wedding, Ivan and Lorraine were in a panic as they had to find a venue.

But their fears were lifted as the new proprietors of the Rifle Volunteer Inn at St Ann's Chapel came to the rescue.

Geoff and Lorraine Baker, along with their new chef, Jean Boudin, managed to set up and prepare the three-course sit-down meal, drinks, an evening buffet and arrangements for the band — all with only a week to go.

Geoff and Lorraine took over the Rifle Volunteer, which had been closed for 18 months, on August 25, and opened to the public on September 10.

Geoff said: 'The couple were in a jam, which was sad on such an important day.

'We had only been open for a week when Ivan turned up in a panic and asked us if there was a chance they could have the reception here.

'Fortunately, we have had experience with receptions at our small hotel in North Devon.

'We knew we could do it but it was just a case of "did we have enough time to do it in?" as we only had a week. We were also lucky that we had a first class chef who was up to the challenge.

'But the whole day was a success and we were pleased to help on such an important day.'

Ivan said: 'The day, stress-free, was a resounding success and we all had a fantastic time.

'Elaine and I would like to thank the Rifle Volunteer Inn for saving the day and making it so special.'

Nine-piece band 'Commoners Muck', who raise money for the Children's Hospice South West's Precious Lives appeal, played at the reception for Ivan and Lorraine. A total of £370 was raised for the charity.