An Irish couple gave their wedding guests a wonderful surprise when the groom and seven of his pals entertained them with a jaw-dropping Irish dancing display.

Derry residents Carlus McWilliams and his new bride Maria delighted friends and family with the performance at their reception at the Slieve Russell Hotel.

Carlus and his seven friends, who had all studied at the Allen School of Irish Dancing, hadn’t danced together in years but felt the wedding was the perfect opportunity to hit the floor again.

Guest Rebecca Lagan, whose boyfriend is one of the dancers, told the Irish Mirror: "These eight used to dance with each other, but haven't danced together in years. The groom wanted to surprise the crowd and get the boys back together.

"The eight had all danced for the Allen School of Irish Dancing and the bride was the only person who knew, but she had never seen the routine.

"It was a surprise for all the guests - the groom couldn't hide it from his bride!"

She added: "The groom contacted the lads to see if they would be willing to regroup. So from about six weeks before the wedding they began meeting in the evenings for practices.

"They created the routine and music themselves. My boyfriend is one of the dancers and helped put it together and I know the boys would love more people to see it."

The eight dancers are Carlus McWilliams, Brendan Rogers, Deaglan Lowry, Sean Woods, Cathal McGuckin, Paul Woods, Ally McKeown and JD McLaughlin.