Have I Got News For You star Paul Merton married his sweetheart in a fairytale ceremony - dressed as the Beatles' Sgt Pepper.

The madcap comic had the guests roaring in the aisles as he made his vows in cream embroidered trousers and jacket before sweeping his new bride away on a white horse done up as a unicorn.

Merton, 45, wed his love of six years Sarah Parkinson, 41, in a civil ceremony at Rye Town Hall, before holding a celebration and blessing in Fairlight's village church, near Hastings, where some of the 120 guests arrived in a red open-top London bus.

Quiz show co-star Ian Hislop, comedian Julian Clary, TV host Nicholas Parsons and ex-ITV political editor John Sergeant were among guests and well-wishers.

An excerpt of Merton's favourite episode of Tony Hancock's Half Hour - where he accidentally marries Kenneth Williams - was played as guests filed into 13th Century St Andrew's Church.

The quiz show's scriptwriters, Ray Galton and Alan Simpson, were also among the guests on Saturday.

The London Community Chapel Choir played the Beatles' A Little Help from My Friends, Lean on Me, Oh Happy Day and When The Saints Go Marching In.

Merton, who has a home in Fairlight, married BBC producer and former actress Miss Parkinson under his real name, Paul Martin.

He changed his name to Merton - after the London borough where he grew up - after discovering another Paul Martin was in the business.

Miss Parkinson, who last year recovered from a cancer scare, arrived in a vintage black and burgundy Rolls-Royce and was given away by her father, Hi-de-Hi actor Robin Parkinson.

After the blessing, the bride mounted a horse called Zebedee to take her to an Indian buffet reception at the nearby Fairlight Lodge, where a Beatles tribute band played.

Nine-year-old Zebedee belongs to the couple's friend Nicki Freud, daughter of the celebrated actor and former MP Sir Clement Freud.

Outside the church, Merton spoke to The Argus about his big day. He said: "It was wonderful. Absolutely brilliant. We're really very happy. It's the best day of my life."

Mr Hislop said: "It was superb. They both look absolutely lovely."

Conspicuous by his absence was shamed Have I Got News For You host Angus Deayton, who was axed from the satirical BBC show following claims of drug-fuelled sex with prostitutes.