Chesterfield shop staff bring joy to to newly-weds amid 'beast from the east'

Sarah Poulton, 43, and Christian Ward, 48, tied the knot at Chesterfield register office last Thursday amid heavy snow and freezing temperatures.

Earlier, the couple had found out via Facebook that the venue where they were due to have their celebratory party was forced to close because of the big freeze.

But generous workers at Debenhams on Ravenside Retail Park stepped in to make sure the happy couple and their families could toast the special occasion.

Sarah, of Hasland, a development team leader in the environmental services department at Chesterfield Borough Council, explained: "I walked to the store last Thursday morning for my make-up appointment with Victoria Boden. She did a great job.

"The week before I had my personal shopping experience with Susan Shawcroft, who kitted me out with my outfit. She is brilliant and amazing

"When I was chatting to Victoria and Susan on the morning before my wedding, I told them about the venue having to close.

"Just before I left Debenhams, Susan announced that she had cleared with the manager that Debenhams could offer my wedding party - six of us - with an afternoon tea for free.

"Of course I accepted with great thanks.

"After the ceremony we returned to a welcome of staff and party poppers.

"They showed us to the cafe and my heart melted.

"They had gone to so much trouble to make our day perfect - it made us feel so special.

"The tables were pushed together with a white tablecloth, silver sprinkles and Buck's Fizz.

"The catering staff prepared some beautiful sandwiches, cakes and scones with as much tea as we could drink.

"They didn't have to do all that - it was incredibly good of them - and we'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone for making our day so wonderful."