WHEN Sam the horse was injured, bride-to-be Kirsty feared her fairytale ride to the church would be a disaster.

WHEN Sam the horse was injured, bride-to-be Kirsty feared her fairytale ride to the church would be a disaster.

But thanks to the clever thinking of her farmer father, the bride got to the church on time - in rather unusual style.

Kirsty Spurgeon (n�e Abbott), 23, of Wainwright Way, Kesgrave, was due to be taken to Newbourne Church to marry Steve, 22, on Saturday by horse and carriage.

But on Thursday the Abbott family received the terrible news of Sam's injury, causing him to be lame and preventing him from pulling the carriage.

Devastated the family mulled over their options overnight, considering what to do at such a late stage.

On Friday Phil Abbott, father-of-the-bride, called agricultural firm Ernest Doe to see if there was any chance they had a tractor they could use.

And to the family's delight they did.

Kirsty, her parents and three bridesmaids, arrived at Newbourne Church, just a few minutes late after seeking refuge from a short downpour, in a trailer towed by a big Case Puma tractor.

Louise Abbott, mother-of-the-bride, said the whole family wanted to say a big thank you to Ernest Doe for stepping in and saving the day.

She said both the bride and grooms families enjoyed the ride back to the reception at their farm, Beacon Hill Farm in Martlesham in the “magnificent” vehicle.

“It was so fantastic; it really turned out for the best,” she said. “It was lovely to get to the church in such unusual style.

“We decorated the tractor and trailer; my friends had made a 'Just Married' plaque for the back of the horse and carriage so we modified that. It was a real team effort.

“It really made the day really special. Very fitting for a farmer's daughter, she has grown up on the farm and always been involved.”

Damian Williams, branch manager at Ernest Doe Power in Framlingham said they had been more than happy to step in and help at the 11th hour.

“I really felt for them,” he said. “We are the type of company who do like to help the farming community if possible and it just so happened we had a machine available.

“They were struggling at the last minute so we were more than happy to help.”

The newlyweds, Mr and Mrs Spurgeon, were unavailable to comment as they are currently enjoying their honeymoon in Spain.