A SHADOW was cast over a couple's big day after their £15,000 car and other expensive items were stolen just hours before they were set to marry at a Bromsgrove hotel.

The couple's blue Saab convertible was stolen last Wednesday night after a thief took the car keys by breaking into a ground floor room at the Hilton Hotel, Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove, by forcing the window. Also stolen were close on £5,000 worth of goods.

The couple, who are from the London area, married on Friday and are currently on honeymoon.

However, the groom's brother, said: "It caused massive stress and came close to ruining the day. Both families are very upset and the bride, who had been saving for months for clothes for her honeymoon, had only about 20 minutes sleep in the 48 hours before the wedding."

A spokeswoman from the hotel's headquarters in Watford said she was unable to comment as the matter is in the hands of the police.

Police have CCTV images of the offender which are being circulated to neighbouring forces.

Witnesses or anyone with information should contact Bromsgrove police on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.