Dozens of couples – including some who have been married for 40 years – took advantage of an opportunity to renew their wedding vows for free.

Minster Abbey hosted a mass service on Saturday as part of a nation-wide initiative called The Big Promise.

More than 40 couples turned up to the event, which was led by the Bishop of Dover, the Rt Rev Trevor Willmott.

Everyone was welcome to go along – whether or not they wed in a church and no matter how long ago they had their big day.

Some couples who reaffirmed their vows had only been married for a few years – while one couple are due to celebrate their ruby anniversary this year.

The service was followed by tea and cake in the church hall.

The Rev Tim Hall will be celebrating his silver wedding anniversary to wife Georgina this year and they also joined in with the service.

He said: “It was brilliant – it really was a good afternoon.

“There were a number of special celebrations for couples and it was lovely to see everybody there.”

For more pictures, see this week's Times Guardian, out Wednesday.