As costume dramas go, this one bore all the hallmarks of a gripping swashbuckler.

Robin Hood and Maid Marian’s families were destined to remain outlaws rather than in-laws after a themed wedding was thwarted – not by the evil Sheriff of Nottingham, but by fire.

The happy couple, whose entire congregation were dressed in medieval clothes, were stopped in their tracks as they tried to reach their Luddesdown wedding venue.

The straightforward route to the Dode Church ceremony was cut off after arsonists set fire to two tons of compost at Luddesdown Organic Farm just before midnight on Friday last week.

The Luddesdown Road closure was still in place the following day when Maureen Fassail-Abbady and partner Sharon Lodge were due to tie the knot.

For the full story see this week's Gravesend Messenger.