Ferdinand plans wedding stunt

Guests at the wedding of footballer Rio Ferdinand will no doubt be expecting something special and the Manchester United superstar seems keen not to disappoint.

The 30-year-old groom-to-be, who will marry fiancée Rebecca Ellison in August, has chosen an unlikely ring-bearer for the big day in the form of talented barn owl Ollie.

Carrying the ring in a velvet pouch, Ollie has been trained to swoop down at exactly the right moment and land on the arm of the best man during the ceremony at the Great Hall of Peckforton Castle in Cheshire.

Among the likely guests at the wedding will be fellow footballers Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and David Beckham, as well as celebrities including 50 Cent and actor Danny Dyer.

Peckforton's head falconer Mike Roberts, who has been training Ollie for the event, said the bird's cameo will not fail to wow those in attendance.

"When she flies down above the heads of the congregation, I'm sure they will be amazed," he told the Daily Mail.

Ferdinand has already been given cause for celebration on the pitch this year after lifting the Carling Cup on Sunday following his side's extra-time victory against Tottenham Hotspur.