MANY brides would have fainted if the man they were marrying turned up for the ceremony equipped with a sword and a pistol.

But fortunately for Ian Bascombe, his sweetheart Jessica Mason-Storm, who was wearing a traditional white dress, was not surprised when he arrived at Swindon register office dressed like a soldier from the American Civil War.

Doubtless some killjoys with little romance in their souls will say this was hardly the way to approach such a serious milestone as exchanging marriage vows.

Ian and Jess, however, made sure everyone enjoyed their wedding day. We wish them good luck and lots of happiness together.