Ref. 31088-36A GROOM astride a white horse turned heads in Wootton Bassett as he arrived to sweep his bride off her feet.

Bobby Chawla married Rekha Kumar in what is believed to be the first fully traditional Hindu ceremony in the Swindon area.

Residents lined the streets as they watched the colourful wedding procession make its way from the police station car park to the leisure centre where the couple made their vows.

Ladies were dressed in saris and shalwar kameez of vibrant shades making the streets of Wootton Bassett awash with colour.

Bobby, 32, who works for Thames Water, said: "I'm glad we had this kind of wedding. It's a great atmosphere and everyone is enjoying themselves."

Traditional Indian drummers led the procession with the Phoenix Brass Band following them.

Guests from the groom's side danced all the way to the leisure centre where they greeted the bride's family.

One onlooker Josie Williams, of Morstone Road, said: "We have never seen anything like this in Wootton Bassett. It's a wonderful spectacle and all the ladies look lovely in their dresses."

Around 500 people watched as the couple made their vows by taking seven steps around an altar of fire, with each symbolising a promise to stay together during seven lifetimes.

Bobby met Rekha, 21, at the wedding of his best friend's sister a year ago and popped the question last October.

Rekha, who works at Nationwide, wore a red lenga an ornate dress and had her hands and feet decorated with henna.

They had a register office wedding in Swindon on June 19.

Some of their relatives travelled from India, America and Canada to attend the special event.

Bobby's mother Phulan said: "We just wanted the best possible wedding for them.''

Bhavani Vadde