AN ELLESMERE Port man flew almost 9,000 miles to celebrate his civil partnership at Chester Town Hall.

Sean Boyle, who manages the British Club in Singapore, tied the knot with Tuan Knog Lee (Teekay) on Saturday, September 3.

Best man at the wedding was Liverpool’s City Talk radio presenter Pete Price and guests and passing shoppers were treated to a display of Chinese lion dancing when the couple emerged from the town hall after the ceremony.

Before the union Sean, who was born in Ellesmere Port but lived a large part of his life in Holywell, as chairman of the Conservative association, said: “Chester is a beautiful city and our guests have travelled from all over the world to celebrate with us.”

Teekay is originally from Brunei.

Sean added: “We wanted East to meet West so organised lion dancers to lead us through the city to our reception.

“The lions give money in little red packages, representing prosperity and good luck for the couple.

“There was a Welsh harpist and Irish dancing. It is a real mix of both of our cultures.”

Guests included Sean’s two children from a previous marriage and five grandchildren.

Sean’s career in hotel management included a stint as head waiter at the Chester Grosvenor Hotel where the couple chose to host their reception.

He also worked as deputy manager at the Grand Hotel in Brighton where he met former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher before the hotel was bombed in 1984.