A WEDDING with a difference was reported by the Worcester Journal at this time 250 years ago.

The edition of 1751 stated: "A few days ago was married at Badsee near Evesham in this county, John Field (a person who goes about gathering rags), aged 85, to a young girl about 18, who makes his fifth wife."

Another bizarre item was also carried by the Journal of 1751: "Three weeks ago, a woman, on being brought to our County Gaol for debt, was so affected thereat that she declared her resolution to starve herself to death.

''We are assured from the best authority that during the whole time she has been confined, she has not eaten the quantity of an ounce of vituals nor drunk the quantity of half-a-pint of any liquors, though several people have made use of the strongest arguments in order to dissuade her from her unnatural, wicked purpose. She says life has become a burden to her, and she is very desirous of dying."

A further item from 250 years ago told readers that "On Tuesday, Anne Walter, a girl of about 13 years of age, was committed to our County Gaol for stealing a bag of silver and another of half-pence out of the shop of Mrs Bedford in the Parish of Hartlebury."