A NEWLYWED couple returned home from honeymoon to find their belongings, including wedding presents, being held to ransom by their bridesmaid. Now the couple, from Huntingdon, say they will have to sleep on the floor when they move into their new home t

A NEWLYWED couple returned home from honeymoon to find their belongings, including wedding presents, being "held to ransom" by their bridesmaid.

Now the couple, from Huntingdon, say they will have to sleep on the floor when they move into their new home tomorrow (Thursday).

The bridesmaid, Wendy Whitmarsh, said the couple owe her two weeks' rent and is refusing to return their property until it is paid.

The saga began when Nigel and Samantha Almond [nee Murray] wed at Hartford Church on Saturday, August 25.

The wedding was witnessed by Miss Whitmarsh, who had been renting the couple a room in her property in The Whaddons, Huntingdon for four months.

It was during the couple's two-week honeymoon in Blackpool that the problems began. During this time Miss Whitmarsh discovered that the newlyweds were planning to move out on their return.

The parties exchanged text messages during this time, but on returning to the house at the weekend, the couple found Miss Whitmarsh had stripped their room.

Mrs Almond, 20, said: "It has been a stressful time and it is upsetting not knowing where our property is.

"It includes sentimental items and all of our wedding presents and we are having to borrow things from friends for when we move in to our new home."

Mr Almond, 27, and his new bride are both part-time shop workers and did not sign a contract with Miss Whitmarsh outlining the rental agreement.

Miss Whitmarsh, a shop supervisor, said: "All I am asking for is money that is owed to me - what else am I supposed to do?

"Sam came to me saying that she had nowhere to live - I stepped in to help them out and this is the thanks I get."

Mrs Almond denies that she owes any rent and claims that Miss Whitmarsh had initially demanded the money for a sofa.

The newlywed couple are due to move into a new home in Wyton tomorrow and have written a letter to Miss Whitmarsh, on police advice, demanding the return of the property.

Miss Whitmarsh said that she has advised solicitors and was intending to change her locks.