WEDDING guests invited to a church in Bushey are set for a truly scrumptious day, thanks to the special appearance of a four-wheeled guest.

The original car from the children's classic film, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, will bring Ms Melanie Perry, 28, of Ashstead in Surrey, to St James' Church in High Street, Bushey, at 2pm, on Saturday, August 5, to wed her fianc, Mr Keith Otter, 33, of Stanmore.

The car is owned by Mr Pierre Picton, of Stratford-Upon-Avon, who starred in the film as Dick Van Dyke's double.

Mr Otter, who works for an advertising company in Soho, London, said: 'Since I can remember, the film has been one of my favourites.

'A lot of preparation has to go into a wedding and I didn't want to get married in the same way as everyone else. I wanted something a little bit different.

'The car is opened-topped, so both Mel and I are praying for good weather on the day.

'Mr Picton will be driving Chitty and has said he'll lend us a golfing umbrella if worse comes to worse.

'I am really looking forward to sitting in the car. I'm sure it will add a bit more excitement to the atmosphere.'

The bride and groom have also arranged a special Chitty Chitty Bang Bang quiz for all of the children to enjoy during the wedding meal.

Mr Picton, who has owned Chitty for the past 15 years, went around the country in the vehicle to promote the film before its release in 1968.

Mrs Susie Picton, his wife and joint partner of their company - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - said: 'The car is in greater demand every year.

'Pierre fell in love with the car after driving it so much after filming that he had to have Chitty.

'He is only the second person to have owned the car, the first being Eon Productions (Cubby Broccoli), the producer of the James Bond films.

'We have recently made a special appearance at the World Motor Show in Cardiff, and are frequently hiring the car out to people for corporate functions and parties.

'It is a magical motor car. Each time the film is shown on television, we attract a new generation of fans. The film is said to be one of the most pirated films.'

Chitty will take Ms Perry to St James' Church, and then the couple will be whisked away to The Garden of Roses in St Albans for their wedding reception.

Ms Perry added: 'As the film is one of Keith's favourites, I think Chitty will make the day even more special.

'After all, you only get married once, and this is a once in a lifetime experience.'

The cost of hiring Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for the day is approximately £1,000. For more details, telephone the Pictons on 01789 204300.

atanna@london.newsquest.co.uk