A COUPLE devastated when a four-star hotel pulled the plug on their wedding is celebrating after winning £10,000 compensation.

In June last year the News Shopper reported how Anthony and Natalee James vowed to fight the Dartford Bridge Hilton Stakis after it cancelled their reception with just 10 days notice, favouring a lucrative corporate event.

The couple sued for breach of contract but after more than a year of legal wrangling the hotel chain settled out of court.

Mrs James, 26, of Westbrook Road, Sidcup, said: "It is a real weight off our minds. We're just glad it's all over.

"I think most people would have given up but we were determined not to be beaten. They didn't take us seriously until the last minute.

"Hopefully, this will inspire other people to stand up for themselves. We're going to plan a nice holiday somewhere."

The couple had booked the £5,000 bash for 120 guests months in advance but were told at the last minute by then manager, Wan Cheah, a motor parts company had also booked the suite.

The bride's mum, Vicki Feagan, contacted the firm, Visteon, and was told it had only booked a few weeks before but would be using the hall for six days.

Mrs Feagan said: "We were treated appallingly. The wedding had been planned for two years beforehand so it wasn't about the money in the end."

The reception was finally held on schedule in the Swallow Hotel, Bexleyheath, now the Marriott.

A spokesman for the hotel in Masthead Close, now just called the Hilton, confirmed Mr Cheah no longer works for the group.

Leslie McGibbon added: "This was an unfortunate and isolated incident which has now been settled. Mr Cheah has moved on to pursue a career elsewhere."

November 26, 2001 18:29