A PAIR of newlyweds made a 90-mile journey to Hampshire to enable the bride’s elderly grandfather to share their joy.

Covid restrictions prevented 87-year-old Graham Burley, who lives at a New Forest care home, from attending the couple's wedding in Somerset.

But the bride - Graham's granddaughter Alex - was determined to prevent him from missing out.

Daily Echo:

After donning her white wedding dress once again, she and her new husband, Phillip Pearce, paid an emotional visit to the Colten Care-run Court Lodge complex in Lymington.

The heart-warming get-together was made possible by Colten’s safe-visiting policy.

Graham sat behind a clear screen in the home's reception area, which meant he and his visitors could see and talk to each other without any risk of the virus being transmitted.

The couple showed him video and photographs of their wedding while he enjoyed a glass of champagne and a piece of cake.

Graham said: “It was emotional and I did shed a few tears.

"It meant so much to me to get to see Alex in the beautiful white wedding dress she wore on her special day.”

As well as arranging bubbly and cake staff at Court Lodge cheered the newlyweds when they arrived at the end of their long journey.

Julia Puia, the home’s companionship team leader, said: “We knew this was a very special visit and so we wanted to do all we could to help.

“It was lovely to see Graham with his granddaughter and her new husband enjoying some precious time together.

“Alex showed Graham some pictures and videos of the wedding so it felt like he was there.

“We congratulate the new Mr and Mrs Pearce and wish them all the very best for married life.”

Daily Echo:

Alex added: “We were thrilled to make grandad part of our special day. In such difficult times, keeping him safe from the virus was our top priority.

“We really wanted him to feel included in our wedding so we dressed up and, thanks to Court Lodge, were able to have champagne and cake with him.

“It was incredibly special to visit him.”

Court Lodge was rated "good" by the Care Quality Commission following an inspection carried out in 2017.

Summarising their findings the CQC inspectors said: "People were cared for with kindness, compassion and sensitivity.

"Care plans provided comprehensive information about how people wished to receive care and support.

"This helped ensure people received personalised care in a way that met their individual needs."