Last updated at 10:56, Friday, 15 February 2013

COUPLES due to tie the knot in Barrow this year are to be treated to a candlelit dinner as a gift from the town’s Anglican churches.

AT YOUR SERVICE Canon Ian Hook at St Mark’s Church, Barrow, which is to host the Deanery of Barrow candlelit dinner LINDSEY DICKINGS REF: 50044474B000

The Deanery of Barrow has arranged the event which will take place later this month at St Mark’s Church, in Rawlinson Street.

The invites have been thrown open to all those due to marry at one of the deanery’s churches in 2013.

Canon Ian Hook, of St Mark’s Church, said: “We wanted to do something about marriage preparation, right across the group of churches in our area.

“A reader at my church came up with the idea and we thought it was fantastic, so we decided to give it a go. We just want to treat those people who are getting married here in Barrow.”

So far, six couples have signed up for the three-course meal which will be served on February 23.

Church leaders hope others will come forward in time to enjoy the dinner.

Paula Lorne and Paul Taylor are one of the couples who will be attending.

They are due to marry at St Mark’s on June 22.

Miss Lorne, 44, of Walney, said: “I said to my fiancé Paul, I’ve never heard of a church doing anything like this before, I think it’s fantastic.” On the night, the guests will be treated to a first-class dining experience.

The menu includes a choice of starters of roast pepper and tomato soup with a cheese scone or haloumi salad.

Diners can then choose a main course from coq au vin with mash potatoes and a medley of vegetables, roast beef or lentil lasagne.

Chocolate fudge cake with chocolate sauce and ice cream or lemon mousse with raspberries and shortbread are on offer for dessert, followed by tea or coffee and mints.

The meal will be the forerunner to a marriage preparation course for the couples which will explore areas such as commitment and communication.

First published at 16:11, Thursday, 14 February 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk