French With Tears

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31255, 30 December 1966, Page 9

French With Tears

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter)

LONDON, Dec. 29.

Friendly British police helped to arrange wed-ding-night accommodation for an eloping French couple after their car was involved in a crash.

The couple, 21-year-old Andre Daponte and 16-year-old Martine Gueritte sailed for home yesterday after being married at Gretna Green the traditional haven for eloping lovers.

The couple travelled to the village, just over the Scottish border, because Martine’s parents in Paris said she was too young to marry. But under Scottish law, parental consent is not required for anyone •ver 16.

A few hours after the wedding, their car was in a crash near Peterborough, central England.

The wedding day was

saved from disaster by the police.

They gave them tea, arranged for the car to be repaired and fixed the youngsters up with accommodation at the home of Mrs Joyce Thorpe. “They were so frightened about what had happened and the girl was in tears. They spoke hardly any English,” said Mrs Thorpp.

“I gave the girl the nightdress my husband bought me for my wedding because they had left their luggage In the car.” The couple spent their £lOO savings on accommodation in Britain, and paid 5s j for Martine’s wedding ring.

Andre said: “We will get another when we many in church in three months. Our honeymoon could have been a disaster but the for the police. Your English bobbies really are wonderfuL’’