SPORTING enthusiasts made history by becoming the first couple in the UK to get married on an ice rink.

Matt Lloyd, aged 43, and 35-year-old Ruth Harvey held their wedding at Silver Blades in Widnes on Saturday.

They made their vows on a special podium decorated in white and silver with two grand thrones, flowers and balloons.

Guests celebrated with a hog roast on a smaller ‘dinky rink’ followed by a wedding cake made from cheese because the couple don’t like fruit.

Instead of a disco afterwards, their relatives and friends watched an ice hockey challenge game.

Players from all over the country played a show match to mark the start of the season.

Former paralympian ice sledge hockey player Matt represented Great Britain in Turin in 2006.

He spent 10 years competing in world and European championships

He said his wife, Ruth chose the unusual venue for their nuptial ceremony.

Matt said: “It was her idea. Everyone absolutely loved it. They said it was the most unusual wedding they had ever been to.

“They thought it was brilliant.”

The couple met nine years ago when they both worked in criminal justice.

Romance blossomed two years ago.

Matt, from Rainhill, runs the community and education programme at the Earle Road rink, encouraging people with disabilities to skate and join sports activities.

He has also developed free skating sessions for children and young people and works with schools and community clubs.

Ruth, from Scunthorpe, is the child protection officer for Widnes Wild Juniors.

Matt added: “Rugby will always be the primary sport but Widnes is becoming an ice hockey town.

“Widnes Wild regularly sells out the rink. It has become a huge attraction.

“Hopefully, they might win the league this season.”

The couple plan to go on honeymoon later this month.