Newlyweds Sharleen and Peter Harrison dashed from their reception to the bedside of an old friend who missed their big day after being rushed into hospital for an emergency operation.

Newlyweds Sharleen and Peter Harrison visit family friend Peter Gales

Peter Gales said he was "absolutely flabbergasted" when he saw Sharleen entering his ward at York District Hospital in her wedding dress.

There was an emotional greeting between a delighted Mr Gales and the happy couple, when he told them he had been thinking of them.

Afterwards he said the visit was a complete surprise. Although Sharleen came to see him the day before the wedding, she did not let on what they had planned.

"It's been absolutely wonderful. It's made my year, never mind my day," said Mr Gales. He told Sharleen: "You're a treasure - I'll never, ever forget it."

Sharleen said she could see how surprised he was, adding: "We had tears in our eyes."

She and Peter were married at the Salvation Army Citadel in Gillygate on Saturday morning, and had come to the hospital from their reception at Fulford Barracks.

Mr Gales became friends with Sharleen, whose maiden name was Cumberland, through their work with the Salvation Army, of which they are both members.

Sharleen and her new husband Peter both work at Yorkcraft in Tadcaster Road, and their new home will be in Holgate Road.

Mr Gales, who comes from New Earswick, is a local parish councillor and a former York city councillor.

He said he had undergone two operations within a fortnight, first on his prostate, then emergency surgery on a blood vessel.

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