RICHARD and Elizabeth Townend have teamed up with the Keighley News to send a special message to family and friends in England -- hours after their romantic tropical wedding on the Caribbean island of Barbados.

They were married at the Casauarina Beach Club hotel late on Wednesday, and have used the latest technology to speed a photograph, and a message of thanks, across the world via the Internet.

Richard said: "We couldn't have chosen a more beautiful place to have our wedding, everything has been fantastic." Elizabeth added: "We wish you all could have shared it with us, but look forward to joining in the celebrations with you at the Hanover Hotel on our return. Our special love to both mum and dads."

Richard and Elizabeth, who are both Cougar fans, met while on holiday. After visiting Barbados they decided it was the ideal place to get married and organised everything over the World Wide Web.

Many of their family and friends couldn't be with them, but they were not alone -- 17 friends flew out to help them celebrate. "They are coming home after a two week holiday, allowing us to have a week together for a honeymoon," said Richard.

Elizabeth, a life and pensions administrator, is the daughter of David and Jean Poole, from Angelsey, North Wales. Richard, the son of Robert and Christine Townend, of Lawkholme, Lane, Keighley, is a civil servant, a member of Bocking FC and a Bradford City fan.

Stuart Mackinlay, a long-time friend of the bride, gave her away, and Simon Hughes was best man. The bridesmaids were Jane Latham, Helen Conyers, Mica Bates, Josie Robinson, Sam Robinson and Lisa Hughes. Witnesses were Jon Poole, the bride's brother, and Michael Walton.

Elizabeth wore a full skirted ivory dress embroidered with pearls and sequins. She carried a bouquet of tropical flowers.

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