A TAXI driver and his daughter stepped in as witnesses to help a couple tie the knot in a secret wedding in York.

Edward Cieslik and his bride, Jennifer Walker, both from London, said they decided to come to York to tie the knot because it is a place close to their hearts.

Jennifer graduated from the University of York while Edward, 43, grew up in the city.

He said: “We have both been married previously and we decided not to have a big wedding.

“We wanted to get married to show each other that we want to spend the rest of our lives together. In the end we chose not to tell anyone and when we decided to get married we thought York would be a nice place to do it.”

The couple decided to wed at the Register Office on Bootham on March 15, but needed two people to witness the marriage and sign the register.

So they called York Cars and taxi driver Terry Ruane rushed to the rescue.

The 55-year-old said: “A message came over the radio system asking if anybody could take somebody down to their wedding and stay as a witness.

“I thought it sounded a bit different and if it will help somebody out then why not. My daughter was home from university so I asked her to go with me.

“I usually just wear a work jacket so I went home and put on my suit trousers and jacket. My daughter Sammi said she needed to get dressed up too.

“They are a really nice couple and said they have a soft spot for York. It was quite good fun actually.”

Edward said he was delighted that Terry and Sammi made an effort for the couple’s special day: “They both turned up smartly dressed. It was really lovely.

“I used to go to Bootham School just across the road and my study room was opposite the Register Office. I remember when I was there I used to watch people going to get married.”

After their wedding Edward and Jennifer stayed at The Grand Hotel, where they tried the “amazing” nine-course tasting menu. The couple then spent their honeymoon walking in the Peak District.

“It was absolutely fantastic, we had an amazing time,” said Edward.