THE term "wedding bash" usually refers to a celebration, but for an unlucky guest at such a party held at a top Bournemouth hotel the term had a rather more literal meaning.

An elderly lady - the grandmother of the groom - is today recovering from facial injuries and a suspected broken leg after she was the victim of a drunken prank during a marriage celebration at the Royal Bath Hotel on Saturday night.

The luxurious surroundings of the four-star hotel, a member of the De Vere group, proved to be too much of a temptation for two male wedding guests, both aged 20 and believed to be rather the worse for drink.

They managed to move a life-size ornamental 19th century wooden horse and cart which was on display and throw it down a flight of stairs, where it collided with the woman.

Police were called to the scene and the pair were arrested after admitting they were responsible for destroying the ornament and causing the serious injuries to the woman.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: "They handed themselves in and have been bailed for us to speak to the elderly lady.

"She went to hospital and was released but she has to go back in again."

Famed for its classic style and splendour the Royal Bath Hotel, just two minutes' walk from Bournemouth beach, is described on its website as providing "the very best in comfort, service and hospitality".

Its rooms start from £185 a night and the venue is usually the host for rather more sophisticated affairs, such as the 90th birthday celebration of comic Norman Wisdom, an event which featured other high-profile guests including The Bill star Todd Carty.

First published: August 30