Police thanked for making sure protest march didn’t disrupt the wedding march

A BRIDE has thanked the police for helping to ensure her wedding day which took place in the middle of two protests went without a hitch.

Nichola (38) and Robert Kay (44), of Brinsworth, got hitched on Saturday afternoon at Rotherham Minster which was directly in between a far-right wing protest by Pegida UK and a counter demonstration by community groups.

Nichola (nee Bingham) said when she found out the Pegida march date had been moved to the same date as her wedding she was worried it would affect guests and the wedding party be able to get to the Minster.

She said: “The police assured us it wouldn’t and would escort us into town if necessary. “And on the day they escorted Rob, best man Steve and our sons first, then came to my mum’s and escorted us.”

Road police on motorbikes helped to get the wedding party and the bride’s stretch Hummer limousine through road closures.

“Instead of it putting a dark cloud over the day by the march being there, the police made it even more special for us and the guests said how wonderful it was,” Nichola added.

“The guests didn’t have any trouble getting to the church as the police had advised me that the old Tesco car park would be best for them to park and to approach from Main Street.

“We just wanted to give them recognition for this and say a big thank you.”

The bride’s sister and bridesmaid Amanda Callander said: “The officers were brilliant and even posed with the bride and attendants for a picture on arrival at Rotherham Minster.”

Assitant Chief Constable, Jason Harwin, said: “We were very conscious about the impact the protests had on everybody, but we were particularly concerned about the couple getting married.

“We worked with the couple to make sure we could get the bride to the church on time and thankfully everything did go smoothly.”

The couple of 21 years, who have two sons Lewis (18) and Marcus (17), are now enjoying their honey moon in Turkey.