SOME grooms might opt for a flash car, or maybe even a horse and carriage - but not many choose to roll up at church on a vintage steam engine.However, Mark Dreher did just that, after taking an hour to travel four miles through Ipswich to tie the knot in nearby Rushmere St Andrew.

SOME grooms might opt for a flash car, or maybe even a horse and carriage - but not many choose to roll up at church on a vintage steam engine.

However, Mark Dreher did just that, after taking an hour to travel four miles through Ipswich to tie the knot in nearby Rushmere St Andrew.

After wiping the soot from his face, and using Tipp-ex to cover a grease mark on his white shirt, he was ready to walk down aisle and wait for his bride, Joanne.

Speaking after yesterday's ceremony, at the village's St Andrews Church, Mr Dreher, 30, said: “I love steam engines and industrial heritage - it's kind of my hobby. When I found out it would be possible to arrive at church on a steam roller, I really wanted to do it.”

The idea came at a recent wedding where BT engineer Mr Dreher was best man and met Stuart and Kim Hart, who own the engine.

Mr and Mrs Hart, of Henham, agreed Mr Dreher could borrow the 105-year-old, 18-tonne engine for the day to get to church.

Mrs Dreher, 31, said: “He (Mark) was slightly covered in soot. When he passed his hand to me during the ceremony, it was very black and the smell of soot was very strong.

“When we were offered this chance, we couldn't really pass it up. I think all the guests loved it, although the whistle of the engine made the babies cry.”

After leaving church, the couple made their way to their reception at Hintlesham Hall, near Ipswich, by car.

Mrs Dreher, who lives with her husband and one-year-old son, William, in Kinross Road, Ipswich, said: “It's been a fantastic day. We had a brilliant time.”

N Are you planning unusual transport for your wedding? Telephone The Evening Star newsdesk on 01473 324788.