An Ellesmere Port couple had their special day made even more special thanks to the National Waterways Museum and Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port.

The wedding of Elizabeth and Jason Barlow was taking place at the hotel at the same time as the Warriors and Washerwomen Living History Fair was happening at the museum, so the hotel and museum arranged for the bride and groom to visit the museum for some photos – complete with a guard of honour from 1770s British Redcoat soldiers.

The living historians, from Cheshire’s 22nd Regiment of Foot, met the happy couple at the entrance to the museum, posed for pictures and then escorted them back to the hotel.

Michelle Monaghan from the Holiday Inn said: “They were over the moon when I told them they had been invited over to the National Waterways Museum to have their photographs taken with the Guard of Redcoats.

“It was a unique experience for our Bride and Groom and after being escorted back to the hotel by the Guard of Redcoats they commented how happy they were and how brilliant the whole day had been.”

Museum general manager John Inch said: “The museum makes a great backdrop on any day, but our special history fair make it truly unique. We were delighted to be able to help our friends at the Holiday Inn and the happy couple to create a memorable wedding photo.”

The colourful weekend saw the museum taken over by re-enactors from many different periods giving a living, walking and talking exhibition of the history of Cheshire.

The Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port is a unique wedding venue situation on a tranquil island next to the museum. For any wedding enquiries call Michelle on 0151 348 5508.

The National Waterways Museum, at Ellesmere Port, is home to the national collection of historic working boats, some of which visitors can board to explore and find out how the working boat people used to live.

The museum also has a trip boat, hands-on exhibits, films, touch-screen displays, stables, a blacksmith, docks, pump houses, workers cottages and gardens, an archive, a soft play area, Museum shop and cafe.