A BRIDEGROOM-to-be who emailed a Yorkshire Dialect expert from Kosovo while searching for wedding help got the surprise of his life - when he found the expert lives just two miles from his North Yorkshire home.

The soon-to-be married couple were also shocked to learn that the expert - who they hoped could give them a Yorkshire Dialect wedding blessing - is an old friend of the groom's dad.

He is Barry Rawling, who runs a Yorkshire Dialect site from his Stillington home, close to Easingwold.

The bridegroom-to-be, serving soldier Guy Moverley, is from nearby Crayke. He is due to return from a tour of duty in Kosovo in April.

Guy's fiance, physiotherapist Olly Hughes, said she "couldn't believe it" when she saw where Barry lives.

"We both thought it was brilliant. Guy sent the email from Kosovo hoping to get something back, but not from an old mate of his dad's. Guy is very proud of his Yorkshire roots so wanted something at the wedding that could stress those roots," said Olly, who is originally from Surrey.

Barry said: "It is really amazing. Guy's dad and I are old friends and it was great to be asked to help out with his wedding.

"I've not yet been able to find a suitable wedding text, so if anyone knows one please get in touch.

"A blessing is preferable, and while it doesn't have to be dialect it must have a strong Yorkshire flavour."

Anyone who can help should phone Barry on 01347 810660 or email Barry@TheRed.Demon.co.uk. His site is at www.ucrysj.ac.uk/dialect

Updated: 09:51 Saturday, March 09, 2002