When her vintage wedding car went up in flames as she made her way to the church, bride-to-be Irini Georgiou thought her special day had been ruined.

But thanks to the speedy response and generosity of a Potters Bar fire crew, the 23-year-old made it to the alter just in time to marry the love of her life.

The Cuffley Primary School teacher had just got in to her uncle’s vintage 1969 Plymouth Barracuda, decked out with ribbons and champagne, when the engine began pouring with smoke and flames started licking out from under the bonnet.

Firefighters were called to Moorhurst Avenue, in Goffs Oak, and quickly arrived to douse the car – as well as saving several cases of champagne placed in the boot ready for the reception.

Although the small blaze was extinguished, disaster still had to be averted by delivering the bride to Christ Church Little Heath, in Potters Bar, where more than 200 guests – and nervous groom Phillip Critoph, 25 - were patiently waiting.

And after discussions between the crew and father-of-the-bride Michael Georgiou, as well as a quick call to the fire station to get the ok, firefighters agreed to give Irini a lift to remember.

(Scroll down for video of the bride arriving at the church)

One of the crew travelled with the bridesmaids in another car to allow Michael to sit with his daughter in the cab of the fire engine, which was quickly decked out with flowers from the original wedding car.

Reverend Stephen Rees kept the congregated guests informed of the bride’s predicament, and she arrived at the church to cheers and applause just 30 minutes late.

The vicar said: “It was a wonderful moment. I’ve never seen anything like it in ten years. No-one could believe it at first but when she arrived everyone was laughing and it turned out to be a wonderful occasion.”

The wedding day drama occurred just one week after groom Phillip broke his collar bone while paintballing on his stag do and was forced to spend several days in hospital.

But despite the setbacks, the happy couple were able to make their vows and are now getting ready to jet off on honeymoon to Rhodes for two weeks.

Property dealer Michael Georgiou, who gave his daughter away, said: “I think when the car went up, Irini wondered if the wedding was ever going to happen but it all worked out thanks to the fire brigade.

“It was just lovely. They were so wonderful and Irini was over the moon – it made everyone smile. There was a big cheer when we arrived at the church and my daughter now has an experience she will never forget.

“There were a couple of disasters on the way but we got her to the altar and we couldn’t be happier.”