It was to be the biggest day of her life but when heavy snow fell Amy Harrop thought her wedding would be cancelled.

She woke at 5.30am on Wednesday in the Broadoaks Country House Hotel in Troutbeck, near Windermere, and feared the worst.

Amy, 31, of Manchester, said: "I couldn't believe how bad it was. The girls that were doing my hair and make up were travelling up from Manchester and they rang at 7am to say they were on the M6 17 miles away.

"As time went on they kept ringing but they were no closer and the police advised them to turn back because the weather was getting worse.

"I was a bit emotional to say the least. I wondered if the photographer, the wedding singer and the registrar would even get to the ceremony."

Amy, her groom Damon Phillips and the guests had all arrived the day before.

Fortunately for Amy, the registrar, Sean Onions, also works as a crew manager at Kendal Fire Station.

He called upon his bosses to see if they could help and pulled out all the stops to ensure it went ahead.

Mr Onions asked his boss if they could use one of the fire service's emergency 4x4 vehicles so he could preside over the service.

Conrad Leather, a station manager with Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, drove Mr Onions and a deputy registrar to the ceremony.

Mr Leather said: "The bride was in proper meltdown and I think the groom was getting a lot of stick.

"The hotel is situated about one mile up a steep and snowy hill. It was very windy on Wednesday and there are dry stone walls on either side so there is no margin for error.

"Most of the guests had stayed the night before so they were already there but the hair and make up ladies and the entertainer could not get to the venue and neither could the registrar.

"Sean asked our boss Steve Healey if he could help and he agreed to allow us to use one of the 4x4 vehicles.

"It was on the understanding that if we were needed in an emergency then we might have to leave Sean at the hotel and collect him later."

A hairdresser and beautician were sourced through a friend and they made it to help Amy get ready.

And Mr Onions arrived with his deputy on time for the 1pm ceremony.

Mr Leather said: "It was a beautiful day and the hotel looked stunning. They were both so happy and it was so nice that we were able to help."

Vicki Gardner, event co-ordinator at Broadoaks Country House, said: "Things were a little bit hectic but everything worked out fine in the end and Amy and Damon were able to relax and enjoy their day."

Amy said: "Everyone was so nice. I was so emotional and the hotel staff were absolutely brilliant. I just want to thank everyone who helped us."

The couple are due to fly off tomorrow on their honeymoon to Hong Kong - weather permitting.