NEWLYWEDS Sian and Dom Wall found themselves the centre of attention in a completely unexpected way.

The Chepstow couple were enjoying their reception on Saturday afternoon at the Afon Gwy restaurant in Bridge Street when the Wassail arrived.

The Wassail is an ancient fertility celebration and the meeting with the Welsh Mari Lwyd tradition has become an annual event in Chepstow.

The leader, or butler, of the Wassail, Pete Simmonds of Berry Hill near Coleford, brought couple outside to cheers to present them with a good luck Wassail.

Sian, a vet at Marlow's vetinerary surgery in Chepstow, said: "It was certainly different. We didn't know it was happening until yesterday (Friday)."

Mr Simmonds said the each of the elements in the Wassail had its own significance.

He said: "There's yew for long life, nuts for fertility and the candle for the light and love the couple bring."

There was also a traditional mumming play outside the Afon Gwy featuring characters including St George and the Turkish Knight.