A COUPLE were due to say 'Arr, me hearty!' today as they tied the knot and became Mr and Mrs Pirate.

Kevin Pirate - who changed his surname of Ham by deed poll out of love for the swashbuckling adventurers - and Sheila Bastiaens wore full pirate regalia for their wedding - and asked guests to do the same.

The Portland couple were set to arrive at the Guildhall in Weymouth in a 52ft-long coach they have converted into a home, which bears the slogan: The Pirates of Portland.

The reception is planned for the Masons & Mariners pub in Victoria Square, where pirate delicacies including barnacle stew and salted pork have been laid on - to be washed down with jugs of rum and beer.

Hundreds have been invited to the party, which the happy couple are hoping will be a great community event bringing islanders together.

Kevin, 49, and Sheila, 41, both have children from previous relationships and hooked up in the spring.

Now living in their coach at Tophill, they have been planning the pirate-themed wedding ever since Kevin changed his name a few months ago.

Kevin, a skip driver for Portland Stone, was a biker in his youth but it was not until he arrived on Portland two years ago from Swindon that he became fanatical about pirates.

He said: "I have the look of a pirate anyway with my necklace and earrings.

"When I first arrived a woman called me a pirate and the name just stuck. I fell in love with the idea.

"Portland is such an amazing place and I love the old stories.

"Some people think I'm mad but I think everyone I've met has accepted me for who I am."

He added: "I'm really passionate about Portland. We've invited people to the wedding we don't even know that well but we want the party to be a way of reuniting the island."

Sheila, who has lived on Portland for 23 years, said: "I did laugh when I realised I was to become Mrs Pirate and I'm still chuckling now.

"When he said he wanted to change his name I told him if it makes you happy then go for it.

"He's perfect, even though he's a pirate."