A WEDDING went ahead at the weekend in Oake, near Wellington, despite a fire which broke out in the churchyard.

The blaze in a compost heap in the corner of the 13th century St Bartholomew’s churchyard happened shortly before 11.30 am on Sunday (August 9).

The churchyard borders Oake Manor Golf Club, to which the newlyweds and guests were about to make their way.

Golfers, professional staff, and some of the caterers who were preparing for the wedding party arrival quickly sprang into action.

They used fire extinguishers and buckets of water to stop the flames spreading.

Wellington firefighters attended and used a drag fork and hose reel jet to prevent the incident escalating.

A golf club spokesperson said: “Thank you to everybody who stepped in to help.”