Husband and wife-to-be Chris Naylor and Marylene Ballesteros took a ride on Shipley's own love train.

The pair, who are to marry in Marseille in June, had a surprise trip on the Shipley Glen Tramway - decorated with French bunting, hearts and flags - courtesy of their friends.

They met at a local gig three years ago while French-born Marylene was a student at Bradford College. Chris, originally of Green Lane, Thackley, took her on the Shipley Glen Tramway for their first date.

Friend Jenny Harris explained: "We knew they would find this funny because Chris is such a cheapskate! He spent 25p taking Marylene on their first date and we thought it would be nice to celebrate that again."

Chris was stunned to see the amount of trouble their friends had gone to. "We didn't really have a clue what to expect when we came up here," he said. "Our friends were all a bit cagey. I am amazed at what they have done, though - it's fantastic!"

Chris moved to France six months ago and is now teaching English.

Marylene said: "It was a very big surprise, but the tram does hold good memories for us."

Tramway boss Mick Leak said they had seen weddings and even funerals at the tramway in the past: "Shipley Glen is famous for its courting couples and I'm told the couple had their first date here," he said.

The couple, who live on the French Riviera, were back visiting friends and family for pre-wedding hen and stag parties, and started their celebrations with their surprise ride.