Telford couple hoping for a perfect match at wedding

James, 34, and Mel, 35, will tie the knot at the Best Western Valley Hotel in Ironbridge on Saturday and, concerned that some of the guests might try and sneak off early from the wedding, the couple, who have been together for eight years and live in Birchmore, Brookside, have decided to screen the England match during their wedding reception.

And to help make this possible, Telford retailer Digiland has offered to provide a big screen television especially for the occasion.

The move has more than pleased Mr Ledbury, who is also a self-confessed football fan.

He said: "We are so thrilled it has been made possible for us to be able to screen the England game at the wedding.

"I'm probably a bit more excited than Mel but I'm sure, when the day comes, she will get into the spirit of the World Cup and get carried away with the occasion. We are both quite worried with it being an 11pm kick-off that everyone will leave the wedding early to make it home in time for the football.

"Neither of us want that but ,hopefully, this way,people will stay and celebrate our wedding and watch the football at the same time.

"And, if England win, it will be the perfect end to a perfect day."

Mr Ledbury, who supports Liverpool but enjoys watching any football match, admits booking the wedding on June 14 was an "oversight" on his part.

"When I was watching the World Cup draw I was praying that England wouldn't be drawn in the groups to play on the day of the wedding but as it happens they were.

"Mel. knowing how much I love football, agreed we could screen the game at the wedding if the hotel was able to sort something out.

"I think it just goes to show what a wonderful wife she is going to make. I am pretty fanatical about football. It's a big part of my life."