The tradition... On your wedding day, to meet a sweep with soot-blackened face, will bestow upon you good luck, health and happiness throughout your life.

The belief dates back to the seventeenth century, with the magical association of the family hearth, heart of the home.

Some of the more prosperous households even employed their own sweep to keep their chimneys in good order. Such families were considered to be of great fortune.

The history of Sooty the Lucky Chimney Sweep. It all began nearly fifty years ago, when I was the "lookout" for my father, who used to sweep the chimneys in his, and adjacent villages. "It's out, dad," I used to shout, as the brush sprang out of the chimney. The fascination of a young lad waiting for that moment stayed with me for always.

Dad hung up his brushes in the end, and they remained for many years in his workshop.

My father, and his father in turn, were great traditionalists; Black haired men they were, bringing coal from the colliery in the village, to cross thresholds of local families, at midnight and new years eve.

One day, many years later, I looked at dad's brushes still hanging where he had left them, and thought it would be nice to relive some of the traditions of yesteryear. Dad's ancient brushes and rods now have a new lease of life, accompanying me as I bring luck and happiness to the bride and groom on their wedding day.

The day you have been waiting for! Your very special day has arrived, and I will be waiting for you to leave the Church as newlyweds.

The magic then unfolds as I cross your path and kiss you on the cheek, afterwards congratulating your husband on his lovely new wife.

Photographs will then be taken of "Sooty" congratulating you both, by the official photographer as a wonderful memento of my visit... But there's more to come!!

After greeting the wedding guests as they leave the Church, many of whom who will want their own snaps of "Sooty", I fade into the background for a while, after all it's the happy couple's special day! Then, when they think it's all over, back I appear to present the couple with my special framed verse, with their names appearing at the top, as a further memento of my visit.

I will then wave a final farewell to all, having completed what I consider to be a very enjoyable experience for all.

Should you want to book "Sooty" for your special day, please telephone or email me now for availability.

Other interesting and relative website links

• http://www.weddingwestmidlands.co.uk
• Wedding Services Ltd