Couple marry after bingo win

THERE was a full house as Sue and Luke Farenden hit the jackpot and finally celebrated their big, fat bingo wedding!

The couple – who have been together for 11 years – were able to tie the knot at the weekend after scooping £12,164 on a national bingo game at Grimsby's Gala Bingo.

Without the windfall, they say they would never have been able to afford to get hitched.

With the prize winnings in the bank, they started planning their dream day six months ago and finally became husband and wife at Laceby's Oaklands Hall Hotel on Saturday.

Sue said: "It's been a dream come true. We've had everything we could ever have wanted – including the sunshine!

"We got engaged in 2004 but I don't think we would ever have got married without the winnings because all of our money goes on our business and the children.

"We've spent most of the winnings on the wedding and some on our Lake District honeymoon."

Sue, 42, has two daughters with a previous partner and the couple also have daughter Tamzin, 9, together. All three were bridesmaids on the big day.

Thanks to the winnings, 65 guests were treated to a three-course meal, outdoor assault course, candy cart, caricature artist and disco.

Builder Luke, 38, even spent the night before the wedding playing bingo with friends in a bid to add to his winnings.

He added: "I couldn't think of a better way to spend my last night as a single man, but sadly I didn't win a penny!

"I was so nervous this morning because it hit home that we were finally going to get married.

"The highlight of the day has had to be seeing my lovely bride in her lovely dress for the first time.

"I'm so glad I've been able to give Sue the wedding she deserves."

The couple, who are from Brookenby and run the Brookenby Cat and Rabbit Rescue, won the jackpot from just a £1 stake.

Since scooping the prize they have become friends with Gala Bingo's operational manager Sharon Smith, who was invited to the wedding. She said: "I feel honoured to have been able to spend their big day with them.

"Sue and Luke are such a lovely couple and they really deserve this.

"It's brilliant being able to see how they've spent their winnings and to see what a difference it's made to their lives."

Sharon treated the happy couple to Gala Bingo vouchers to celebrate their nuptials – so they will be hoping for another windfall soon.