A BRIDEGROOM proved to be his partner's knight in shining armour at their Suffolk wedding - quite literally.

Russell Claydon

A BRIDEGROOM proved to be his partner's knight in shining armour at their Suffolk wedding - quite literally.

Sean Radford, 37, donned full armour for the big day yesterday as he married Louise Wright, 36, at Seckford Hall Hotel at Woodbridge.

But last night the groom played down the stunt, saying he thought the idea of dressing up as a knight for the occasion was just a bit of fun.

It was also a big surprise for the 120 guests, as no-one but the bride and best man knew about the costume.

Mr Radford, who is set to move from Kent to East Anglia with his wife once their Dereham property in Norfolk has been renovated, said: “I have not got a good reason for it really other than Seckford Hall being a very medieval house.

“It was a stupid idea that fitted all the clichés.”

The aluminium outfit was tailor made for Mr Radford by a company who has supplied costumes to blockbuster hits such as Gladiator.

“We have brought a nice house and we are renovating it and we want to make a medieval hall there and this will go on display,” he said.

His wife Louise said: “I think it is great because it was very typical Sean. Brides get to choose what they wear so grooms should choose too.”

She added: “It has definitely made the day more fun.”

The couple met each other two years ago, getting engaged last October when Mr Radford proposed on a cliff top in Guernsey.

Geoff Radford, the groom's father who lives in Great Barton, near Bury St Edmunds, said: “We had a good idea that something was going to happen but we did not know what.”

He added everyone applauded when his son entered the wedding in the full suit of armour, complete with a sword.

Michael Bunn, owner of Seckford Hall Hotel, said: “None of us have every seen that particular costume at a wedding.

“We have all found it quite tasteful in the old hall - I thought it was great fun.”