A PAIR of newlyweds had a wedding never to forget — when their celebrations were invaded by a bunch of Vikings!

Sam and Anna Shepherd got more than they bargained for when they headed to Rivington Pike for their photo shoot.

The couple had just tied the knot in Horwich and decided the beauty spot would provide the perfect backdrop for their celebratory pictures.

But as Sam, aged 34, and Anna, aged 32, from Adlington, posed in front of the famous Pigeon Tower, they were suddenly invaded by hundreds of people dressed as Vikings.

Fortunately, rather than running for the hills as any 10th century Englishman coming across the Scandinavian hordes would have done, they decided to join the raiding party.

Anna said: “Rivington is such a beautiful place and we’re so lucky to have it on our doorstep.

“We thought the Pike would be a great place to have our photo taken.

“Suddenly lots families appeared from nowhere dressed as Vikings, so we all decided to get our photo taken together.

“Everyone was so friendly and polite. After they’d gone, I asked Sam if it really happened.

“I don’t think many people will have a wedding photo like ours and everyone has been talking about it ever since.”

The unexpected guests were taking part in a Viking march, one of a series of events organised to encourage more families to visit and enjoy Rivington and its terraced gardens.

More than 180 people donned furs, helmets and axes to trek from Liverpool Castle to the Pike last Saturday.

The event was organised to help promote the beauty spot and young and old alike joined in the 5k march before enjoying a day of activities in the gardens.

Rivington Heritage Trust, working alongside Groundwork and supported by United Utilities, recently secured £3.4million in funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to regenerate the grounds.

Groundwork’s heritage project manager Andrew Suter helped organise the march and also got dressed for the occasion.

He said: “It’s a great photo that not only captures the fun and spirit of the event, but also demonstrates the special place that Rivington continues to occupy in peoples’ lives.

“It includes people who have travelled from all over the country to show their children a place that’s still really important to them and a couple who wanted Rivington to be part of their wedding day.”

The Viking march was so successful that it has been scheduled to take place again next year and newlyweds Sam and Anna have already put their names down to take part.