A GWENT couple's marriage was blessed yesterday on a wing and a prayer.

Newlyweds Justin and Caroline Bunn, of Bassaleg, Newport, were strapped on to the wings of two 1940s biplanes.

And Methodist minister George Brigham, of Hampton Court, near London, was secured on a lead plane in front as he blessed their union.

More than thirty friends and family of the bride and groom as well as a large gathering of members of the Press were present to witness Britain's first wing-walking wedding blessing.

After a short worded ceremony, bride Caroline Bunn aged 27, (dressed in a double seamed wedding dress so that it would not come apart while in the air) walked down the makeshift aisle at Rendcomb airfield in Gloucestershire with husband Justin on to the wings of the waiting aircraft which took off into the clear, blue sky.

As the three planes passed overhead the blessing was relayed onto a loudspeaker system below so the guests gathered below could hear.

After landing the couple exchanged rings and enjoyed their wedding reception in a nearby marquee.

Justin's mother - Janet Bunn of the Gaer, Newport, was not surprised about the wacky nature of the wedding.

"Out of three sons, Justin is the most unconventional and I wasn't really surprised when he told us how they were going to get married," she said.

"Although a church wedding would have been nice, today has been just as good and we're delighted that Caroline has finally become our daughter-in-law."

Father of the bride, 55-year-old Colin Hackwood, was glad when the planes landed safely:

"I thought she was joking when she told us the news.

"It's been a wonderful day and I'm just glad that they're back safely on the ground."

Caroline was more nervous about the big day itself rather than the wing walking: "The least of my worries was the wing walking.

"I was more nervous about the actual ceremony and the weather."

Both thoroughly enjoyed the experience and 27-year-old, Justin described it as "exhilarating".

He said: "It's been the experience of a lifetime and has certainly been a day that we and hopefully everyone here will always remember."

The daredevil couple are set to take off once more today but this time inside a plane, as they go on honeymoon to Austria.