STAFF Sergeant Neil Cooper proved himself to be an officer and a gentleman when he celebrated his wedding at Imphal Barracks in York at the same time as a war veterans' reunion.
When Neil found out his reception meant that the 300 women could not use the Sergeants' Mess at Imphal Barracks as usual, he asked them in to join him, and his bride Lucy, for the celebrations.
The veterans served in the ATS, the Auxiliary Territorial Service, all over the country and it was their ninth annual reunion at Imphal Barracks.
"I've helped out at the gunners' reunion in previous years and Lucy used to work behind the bar in the Sergeants' Mess so we couldn't leave the ladies out," said Neil.
Organiser Major David Robertson said: "The event is held outside, but normally about 8pm we abandon the tents and go into the Sergeants' Mess, but this time I told them there was a wedding reception on and we couldn't go in.
"But the chap getting married said he'd be delighted to let the girls in. It was incredibly sweet of them."
Updated: 11:42 Tuesday, July 30, 2002
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