Rock around the frock...

Photo: -PAUL STERRITT

HAPPY couple: Bev and Fran

TEDDY Boy Fran Rydell and partner Bev Needham jived back in time when they tied the knot at a rock ’n’ roll-themed wedding.

The 1950s enthusiasts rolled up to Saturday’s ceremony at Chadderton Town Hall in period cars. Bev (43) wore a Fifties-style ivory dress while her bridesmaids - including 22-year-old daughter Samantha - were in red rockabilly frocks. There was a traditional black Teddy Boy suit with red pinstripe for Fran (56) and best man Stephen Mellor.

Most of the guests were also into the Fifties era so it was rock and roll only at the reception at the Polish Club, Chamber Road.

Fran and Bev, from Oldham, have been together since they met on a blind date 25 years ago, and also have a son, Warren (25).

Bev said: “Fran was a Ted in the Seventies and when we got older, he asked if I fancied going to a rock and roll club. I really enjoyed it, the people were really friendly.”

The couple attend 1950s events at weekends and while Bev doesn’t wear the clothes all the time, she added: “Fran always wears the Teddy Boy clothes and always has a quiff. I can listen to today’s music, but he will only listen to 1950s stuff.”

The wedding took place almost a year to the day after Fran proposed to Bev, who explained: “He had asked me a long time ago but getting married was just never something I wanted to do when I was younger.”

But Fran wasted no time when a friend told him that Bev had changed her mind!