A couple say they were held hostage at an Italian wedding venue until they handed over £3,500.

Folkestone residents Rosie and Jack Deverson were locked behind iron gates for four hours over damage caused to a plastic marquee.

Jack, 24, lit some sparklers for the guests at Rosie's cousin's wedding near Sorrento in August.

But as the flames got close to his hand, he panicked and threw them over a balcony, scorching the marquee below.

When the couple returned to the venue the next day the gates were locked behind them.

Speaking to the The Daily Star, Rosie said: "They made us sign documents which said we were solely responsible for the damage.

"We were completely intimidated and we would not have been able to leave without paying 4,000 euros there and then."

She said she was forced to take out a loan via her smartphone to pay for the damage before being allowed to leave.

The office manager said she was convinced they would not be able to leave during the confrontation.

She added: "I made the payment on their card machine.

"I felt terrified. I've now got a loan that will take me two years to pay off."

The couple, who have sought legal advice, say the total cost had been estimated to be £8,000.

They had been warned to expect a bill for the rest of the amount when they returned home.