Love is in the air as couple renew vows

DAREDEVIL romantics John and Sue Lockett have renewed their wedding vows – 3,000 feet up in a hot air balloon.

The breathtaking trip was arranged as a surprise present for Sue to mark their 25th wedding anniversary.

And three generations of their family also went along for the ride yesterday, where they watched the blessing delivered by a local clergyman.

The uplifting service in the balloon basket was followed by a celebration meal and a reception back on terra firma.

Mum-of-two Sue, a 52-year-old school kitchen assistant, said: "It was absolutely brilliant. Wonderful. At first, I didn't know if I wanted to do it. But now I've been up in a hot air balloon, I would do it all over again."

The couple, who live in Lightwood, originally wed in the more humble surroundings of Hanley Register Office as they were saving up to buy a house at the time.

But as the years have gone by, their sense of adventure has grown. They have previously taken part in a charity parachute jump and tried their hand at water-skiing.

John, who works as a maintenance electrician, was determined to splash out to make the anniversary trip unforgettable.

"I love her to bits," he said. "I just wanted to do something a bit more unusual than the run-of-the-mill things. Our sons thought we were completely daft when they heard about the idea."

Their youngest son, 20-year-old Richard, was among the balloon passengers. He was joined by John's 74-year-old mother Beryl and Sue's sisters, Christine and Jill.

The journey, arranged through Balloons UK, began at Trentham Gardens and took them to Ipstones in the Moorlands.

"It was really smooth and peaceful up in the balloon. It was fantastic and the service was great," said John, aged 51.

The only hiccup came when the party tried to land and the balloon tipped on its side, with everyone erupting into fits of laughter as they clung on to the basket.

Beryl Lockett, who lives in Blurton, couldn't wait to go on the trip.

She said: "I've been in a helicopter before and also on a boat at Niagara Falls. I was thrilled to bits to go up in the balloon."

Beryl had always wanted to go on a balloon ride with her husband, but he died before they got to plan it.

Clergyman Alex Brown, from Longton Central Hall, was comfortable with the sky-high service yesterday.

He said: "I've previously done two other blessings in the air. It's a special service, normally for couples who want the service somewhere other than church."

You will be able to listen to the duo's story soon.

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