The worst floods in living memory in Minster Lovell weren't enough to stop Bicester couple Hannah Larkham and Neil Adams getting married.

The venue for their wedding, The Mill and Old Swan Hotel, was virtually cut off and canoes and boats proved the best way to get there across the swollen River Windrush.

But staff at the hotel were determined that the show would go on on Saturday afternoon, and now the couple can look forward to a few weeks in the Maldives - and a chance to dry out!

Father of the bride, Michael Larkcom, from Farmoor, took the precaution of buying a dozen pairs of Wellingtons and they certainly came in handy.

Bride Hannah was told by her father at 10.30am that the venue for her wedding was flooded.

He said: "To have to phone my daughter on her wedding day and tell her that was terrible.

"She was in tears she was so upset. But the Mill and Old Swan did everything they could and managed to move us up to dry ground.

"We were determined that the wedding would go ahead, and the elements weren't going to stop us!"

As is the bride's privilege, Hannah got to the venue late - very late - as her chauffeur had to battle around the floods in west Oxfordshire, but almost an hour after the marriage was scheduled, she tied the knot.

Hannah, 24, said: "We had lots of detours to get there, but the chauffeur was wonderful.

"Most of the guests came from Wycombe and Tring, but everyone managed to get here."

Her father, Michael, added: "I have never seen anything quite like it. We got here late because of the floods, but the Swan have been just amazing. They've done everything they can to help."

Michaela Walsh, on reception on Saturday, said the water had risen at a frightening pace.

"It was so strange," she said. "At about 7.30 in the morning, there was no water at all, but within an hour, I was getting calls from residents saying that the water was coming. The river rose so quickly, it progressively and very quickly got worse. Literally within about 10 minutes, we were cut off - it was that quick."

Bridegroom Neil, 25, of Blythe Place, Bicester, said: "I felt it was certain to be off. But people have moved so fast to help us. It's certainly going to be a day I remember!"

Sarah Larkham, maid of honour for her sister, had no such doubts.

"This wedding would have happened even if we needed to be air-lifted in," she laughed. "The people here have moved heaven and earth to ensure it was a memorable day, and a day that started with tears has ended in smiles. It's definitely been a day to remember!"

Cliff Cross, who has lived in Minster for 70 years, said: "I have never seen anything like this. The field floods in winter, but this is just incredible."