A couple's dream wedding plans have been left in tatters because of the government's advice to stay away from large gatherings to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

Paul French is due to tie the knot with Janet Barnes, his sweetheart of 33 years, on Saturday before jetting off to start a new life together in Australia – but nearly all their guests have cried off.

Their insurance company will not pay out for the cost of the £13,000 bash because there has been no direct orders from Whitehall to cancel such events.

Paul, 51, said: "Everything is collapsing around our ears. At this rate, it'll be just me, Janet and the kids. Even my best mate's mum and many of our friends won't risk it."

He decided to pop the question after Janet, 52, got breast cancer and had to have a mastectomy.

Paul, who works as a property consultant, said: "Janet was in bad place. She thought she was going to die. It brought us even closer together."

They have spent £6,000 to hire out the venue – Hempstead House, near Sittingbourne – £1,400 for the cake and £2,400 on flowers for the reception and evening do.

"I’m not blaming the venue, photographer or anyone else. They all have to make a living...."

The couple from Maidstone Road, Wigmore, are unable to postpone their nuptials as Paul has landed a top job in Sydney which he needs to take up before his visa expires later this year.

Paul said: "I’m not blaming the venue, photographer or anyone else. They all have to make a living.

"I know our problems seem small when there are people on ventilators and dying.

"But Boris has got to make a decision, so that people claim insurance. People in the retail and leisure will go under. He's leaving everyone in limbo.

"Janet has been through so much and this was to be a special day for her. She's got her dress, having her nails and hair done."

Their son Mark, 28, a scaffolder, will be there to watch his parents go down the aisle.

The Australian government has announced it will be closing its borders to non-residents on Friday, but Paul and Janet do not expect their plan to move down under to be affected.

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