A PUZZLED parson has been scouring telephone directories and pumping parishioners for information that could get a mystery Hedge End couple to the church on time.

The Rev Mike Powis confesses that it was his clerical slip which has triggered his parish-wide search for a couple who he believed wanted to be married at his St Luke's Church, off Shamblehurst Lane.

Mr Powis, 40, said: "I took a phone call about this time last summer from somebody who said they wanted to get married at the church this year.

"I said that was okay and we fixed it in the diary for August 9."

He was hoping that by now they would have come forward to discuss the wedding day details."

Nearly a year has gone by and the only information that the vicar has got are the couple's surnames and that they live in the Grange Park area.

He said: "Their surnames were Spencer and Poole and I am guessing at the spelling."

Mr Powis admitted: "I was a bit lax and should have taken full details and I will not fall into the same trap again. From now on I will be taking every detail."

Banns have to be published at church on three consecutive Sundays.

With time running out the Hedge End vicar is anxious that the bride does not turn up in a big white dress and find there is no one to perform the nuptials.

He said: "I am sure that by now they would have been to the church to discuss the wedding service and hymns.

"There is the tiniest chance that the couple will turn up wanting to be married on August 9, but I do not want to take that risk."

That is why he has been stepping up his search to find the couple by combing telephone directories.

He said:"I have even made five or six cold phone calls but without success."

He has been asking parishioners if they know the couple and was even thinking about putting posters up around the parish.

On Sunday he will be going on local radio to broadcast an appeal for them to come forward.

To complicate matters, Mr Powis is on holiday on August 9 but he has already got an emergency plan.

He said that the Archdeacon of Bournemouth the Ven Adrian Harbidge had agreed to cover in case the bridal party turn up at St Luke's.

He said that the couple might have moved out of the area but he would like to hear from anyone who had any information. They should ring St Luke's Church on 01489 781448.

So if you are that couple, please speak now !