There was no shortage of wedding ideas for one couple who enlisted a barn owl to help with the proceedings.

The pair from Manchester gave their big day a unique twist after getting some extra help from their feathered friend.

Fudge the barn owl was invited to play an important role in the nuptials of Craig Wilson and Sian Davies by flying in with the rings.

The clever bird was taught the trick by owner Helen Chadfield who is a friend of the pair.

Craig held his arm out for the bird to land on as they were exchanging vows and then removed the rings from a pouch attached to the bird's claws.

Ms Chadfield told the BBC that she thought Fudge's swoop would be a "spectacular conclusion to the wedding and a big surprise for some of the guests".

The couple didn't want their Staffordshire bull terrier, Cracker, to miss out on any of the action, however, so they dressed him in a top had and tails for the ceremony.

Barn owls are some of the most widely distributed of all birds and can found almost anywhere in the world outside polar and desert regions.