A HAPPY couple helped promote a "love not war" message - by sharing their wedding celebrations with campaigners on the Iraqi border.

Dieter Seager, of Washington Street, Accrington, was thousands of miles away in Jordan preparing to go into Iraq for Operation Human Shield.

But he still had time to spare a thought for his friends Tim Jackson and Jane Berry.

He lined up a number of other human shield volunteers for a toast and wedding photo at exactly 5pm Jordanian time, 3pm British, just as his friends declared their love in Mitton.

He then quickly sent the photo over the Internet to their e-mail address so they could see him raising a glass of bubbly with his fellow volunteers.

Although Tim, a graphic designer for British Telecom, and Jane, a freelance script supervisor, did not see the photo until after the reception at Mitton Hall, they said it was the best wedding present they received.

Tim, 31, and Jane, 28, of Dukes Brow, Blackburn, were married a fortnight after Dieter flew out from Heathrow. Although they said they deeply missed their friend they respected his decision.

Tim said: "We feel it's really sad that our friend has had to leave us and his family, but it was the best present we got when I saw the e-mail.

"I knew he might do something like this, so I checked the e-mail, I expected something but not this. He dragged everyone into the photo, people who don't even know who we are. It was really cool.

Jane said: "Dieter is like a brother to me, so we missed him on our wedding day. When I saw the photograph I was moved and touched by his thoughtfulness, but that is just Dieter, he's incredibly thoughtful and kind and will do anything and everything for his friends and family.

"The fact that he has flown to Jordan to take part in Operation Human Shield shows this - Dieter cares a lot about other people and always has done.

"He believes strongly in peace and the value of human life and is prepared to stand up and be counted despite any risks that may be involved. He has more courage than most."

Dieter, a former care worker, who is currently staying at the Al Saraya Hotel, in Amman, the capital of Jordan, said: "I sent them a picture and gave them a toast at 3pm England time and sent it straight away in an e-mail.

"One of the lads out here has a digital camera so I got him to take it. I'm just sad that I couldn't be there, and hope that this lets them know how much I love them."