WINDOW cleaner Norman Johnston proudly said "I do" just two months after cheating death when he fell off his ladder, impaling himself on a garden spike.

The emergency crews who saved his life were guests of honour at his wedding to long-term sweetheart Joan Lay.

The ambulance crew, firefighters and the doctors who treated him were invited to the wedding the 35-year-old almost did not see, after the metal spike went through his chest before coming out of his jaw.

Norman dubbed himself the "human kebab" after the accident on his round in Sunderland.

Although he has yet to return to work, and still goes for weekly check-ups, he was in fine spirits when he tied the knot.

Norman was also proud to see his younger sister marry her fiance in the double ceremony. His son Peter, five, was his page boy.

Norman said: "Although the accident was just a couple of months ago, I have put it to the back of my mind because all that matters now is my marriage to Joan."

Joan, also 35, said: "I could easily have lost Norman, but he's a fighter and I'm sure our marriage will be a happy one."

After the traditional church wedding in Sunderland, the couple jetted off for a week's honeymoon in Spain.

Norman's sister, Lynne, 34, married 39-year-old Derek Richardson in the double ceremony.