Shropshire lovebirds about to tie the knot are being offered the chance to include an extra romantic gesture in their special day.

The White Dove Release company, which provides birds to be released as a symbol of love at wedding ceremonies, has opened a new loft at Arleston Hill, Telford, to meet growing demand from customers in Shropshire and the Midlands who want to add to their special day.

The business has been established by Sally-Anne Robinson, a former Shrewsbury High School student.

She launched White Dove Release two years ago when she was looking for a business idea that combined with her love of animals.

Sally-Anne began with a loft in Macclesfield that served the North West with about 50 of the birds, which are actually a special breed of racing pigeon.

She said: “I knew nothing about pigeons at all when I started.

“My background was in marketing but I knew that dove releases at weddings and funerals were increasing in popularity over here.”

Sally-Anne opened the new loft with about 30 birds at her mother’s home after getting more and more requests for dove releases at events in the Shropshire.

The birds’ athletic ability and homing instinct make them an ideal choice for weddings as they circle for a time after being released before heading home.

Couples can choose to release a pair of birds by hand or choose a flock to symbolise their family and friends’ support on their special day.

Dove releases are also becoming more popular at funerals as an environmentally friendly way of remembering loved ones, said Sally-Anne.

She added: “It is quite a green option especially for funerals rather than a wreath and a nicer idea.”

White Dove Release can be contacted on 07768 094000 or for more information go to www.whitedoverelease.co.uk

By Jo Cunningham