Love was in the air once more at a Cockermouth hotel when it held its first wedding since the floods.

Cockermouth couple Chris Cookson and Judy Whiteside had planned on tying the knot at the Trout Hotel on May 26 but, following the December floods, had to postpone their wedding.

Judy, a graphic designer and writer, said: “We chose the Trout in the first instance because we have friends and family who are travelling quite a way to join us and it’s great to have everything under one roof.

“We were also keen to support the flood recovery and not take much-needed business away from them so decided to wait until we had the venue we wanted.”

Chris is a software developer with Iggesund at Siddick and also deputy leader of Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team.

Fellow team members created a guard of honour with ice axes outside the hotel, following the ceremony.

The last time they were at the venue was during the December 2015 floods, when they were rescuing stranded hotel guests.

Judy, of Strawberry How Road, said: “We were anxious and excited at the same time to be the first this year but the Trout did us proud.

“We were welcomed at every turn with palpable joy that they were all back doing what they do best – being a hotel!

“And it was certainly unique.

“Being the very first function this year, we were first to use the bar, the glassware, the crockery, the rooms, everything brand new.

“When I popped in on the Wednesday afternoon, before the wedding, I seriously wondered whether they would be ready.

“There were people everywhere painting, carpeting, snagging, checking and unpacking glasses.

“But ready they were and they didn’t let us down.

“It was also great to see Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team outside with their ice axes!”