TEACHER Ivor Leonard became a blushing bridegroom when his new wife read out goodwill messages with a difference during their wedding reception.

Ivor, who lives in Clifton, was shocked to discover his bride, Sarah, a teacher in Leeds, had written off to some of his idols and other famous people, to ask them to wish him the best.

During her wedding speech, Sarah read out personal good luck messages from TV duo Richard and Judy, Five Live DJ Nicky Campbell and feared quizmaster Anne Robinson, who all sent in signed photographs.

Aussie legend Rolf Harris also wrote to wish Ivor the best and even drew him a sketch.

But the New Earswick Primary School teacher was most stunned when Sarah read out a letter from his idol, Bolton Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce, as he is a season ticket holder. Every player from the Premiership club also signed the card.

"I was really surprised and impressed that Sarah went to all that trouble," Ivor said.

"I was mortified that she wrote to Richard and Judy as I didn't want anyone thinking I was a fan."

But Ivor later got his revenge on Sarah during his speech, as he secretly filmed the pupils in her class to get their opinions on her.

He showed their responses on a big screen at the reception.

"She was gobsmacked and couldn't believe what I'd done," Ivor said.

"It was a great day and this just made it all the more special."

The wedding day surprises were not the first time they have played jokes on each other.

Ivor revealed that he once secretly planted an electronic tag in Sarah's purse before she went shopping so it would activate every shop's security alarm system when she walked out.

"I nearly fell off the chair laughing when she got home!" he said.

But Ivor was also given a shock on the last day of the Christmas term when all the pupils in his class turned up dressed as bridesmaids and pageboys.

Updated: 10:45 Wednesday, January 19, 2005