Sarah Burns was only planning a small scale wedding to her fiancé Vince Connelly but an old friend from her past had other plans.

Foster care worker Joy Donlan worked behind the scenes to add the finishing touches to the young couple's wedding day in Oakham on August 9.

She arranged for a classic car to collect the blushing bride, a buffet and drinks to be laid on at the reception venue and a hotel room for the happy couple to enjoy on their wedding night.

Sarah (23), of Purdy Court in Oakham, said: "I was very young when I first became involved with the foster team and Joy has been like a second mum to me. I was blown away by everything she did for our wedding day because it was completely unexpected."

Sarah moved to Rutland full time when she was 13 but met Vince (30) four years ago when he offered her a place to stay. They lived with his mum in Burton on Trent for a few months before moving to Oakham.
They got engaged two months ago.

Vince said: "We had planned to get married next year but we only wanted a small wedding and there wasn't much to prepare so Sarah twisted my arm and we brought it forwards."

The couple booked the service at Oakham Register Office and then warned staff at the Whipper-In that a small group of six would be going there for drinks afterwards. Little did they know the hotel staff were part of Joy's plans and already had a buffet, drinks, cake and overnight stay lined up.

Vince found out about the plans a week before the big day but the first Sarah knew was on the morning of the wedding. Sarah said: "I was completely oblivious about it all until a vintage car came to pick me up. It was a beautiful car and such a lovely surprise."

Bronia Gardner, the owner of Toot Sweets in Oakham, provided wedding favours for the couple and their guests while fostering staff at Rutland County Council organised a collection between themselves to buy presents.

Vince said: "It was really nice that someone was willing to do that for us. We are just so grateful to everyone because the day wouldn't have been as special as it was without them.

"Sarah has changed so much since I first met her and it's thanks to the fostering team. It just shows that if people are given the right help, they can turn their lives around."

Councillor Heather Wells, who is responsible for young people's services, said: "The combined efforts of Voluntary Action Rutland, the Whipper-In, Rutland County Council and Toot Sweets all contributed to a memorable day for Sarah and Vince and I would like to say thank you to all those involved in the surprise."