A WEDDING florist from Northwich has described how disaster was narrowly averted after a fire claimed part of the popular wedding venue Peckforton Castle, on Sunday.

Ian Lloyd, known for his appearance on Britain’s Got Talent with his act Floral Highnotes, provided flowers both weddings taking place at 18th century castle on June 18 and 19.

However Sunday’s ceremony looked as though it would have to be cancelled when, in the early hours of Sunday morning, around 70 guests were evacuated after reports of flames in an isolated part of the castle.

More than 100 firefighters and 20 appliances spent 12 hours tackling the blaze at the castle, in Stone House Lane, near Tarporley.

Fire crews from Cheshire, Merseyside, Shropshire and North Wales were needed to control the blaze, which destroyed hotel rooms and offices.

Despite this, management still allowed for their wedding co-ordinator’s service to go ahead on Sunday.

Ian, from Moulton, said the bride took it all in her stride.

“As a wedding co-ordinator herself she had been planning the day for ages,” he added.

“When we pulled up to the castle on Sunday morning we discovered the police had closed the road.

“We kept hearing more and more fire engines entering the scene – you could see plumes of smoke rising from miles away.

A brief legal service was held in the castle for the couple while guests were moved to the Wild Boar pub, in nearby Bunbury.

“The bride was literally in her coat and curlers when she got married,” added Ian.

“When she got to the Wild Boar she changed into her dress for a mock ceremony and reception.

“The staff from the castle came too and were absolutely amazing.

“The bride looked fabulous, I think the success of the day was testament to her for just getting on with it.”

A 36-year-old man from Merseyside has been charged with arson and intent to endanger lives and appeared at Crewe Magistrates Court yesterday.