AN investigation is under way into claims that a wedding party caught a virulent vomiting bug after their big day at a five-star Gower venue.

Swansea Council confirmed it had launched a probe into the claims by newlyweds Dinah and David Derbyshire, who hired Fairyhill, an award-winning restaurant with rooms near Reynoldston, to tie the knot.

The council carried out a food hygiene inspection 17 days after the wedding, and gave Fairyhill one out of five — the second worst rating possible.

It also examined stool samples from wedding guests and, according to Mr and Mrs Derbyshire, Fairyhill staff.

Bosses at Fairyhill said they did not want to comment on the wedding day allegations because an investigation was ongoing.

Joint owner Paul Davies said he was very upset by the council's hygiene report and had immediately taken action to rectify the issues it flagged up.

Mrs Derbyshire, of Linkside, Langland, claimed 17 out of 21 guests were struck down the evening after her wedding reception and meal at Fairyhill.

"My memory of the wedding is ruined," she said. "It was a humiliating experience."

She said the couple had paid a substantial amount for exclusive use of Fairyhill that day.

"I got there at about 10.30am," she said. "The ceremony was 11.30am. Then we sat down to a meal. There was a salmon starter, slow roast lamb in filo pastry followed by meringue nest. There was one vegetarian.

"We were home by about 4pm. We left Swansea the following evening to go to Bristol. Before we left, my eldest daughter was exhibiting symptoms. She was sweating profusely, and had aching joints.

"By the time we got to Bristol my youngest daughter and her boyfriend had it — vomiting and diarrhoea. Unknown to us at the time, others were going down with it that night.

"We were supposed to fly to Puerto Banus (Spain) the following day. But when I woke up I didn't feel well at all.

"I spent the whole day projectile vomiting in the toilet. We missed our flight. David was also unwell."

Mrs Derbyshire said the couple discovered that family members and other wedding guests had become ill.

Horrible

"I was lying in this bed and feeling horrific," said Mrs Derbyshire. "It was horrible feeling that we had paid for these people, and made them ill."

The honeymooners stayed an extra night in Bristol before flying to Spain.

"I don't know how I managed it," said Mrs Derbyshire.

On their return, they gave witness statements to council officers. Mrs Derbyshire claimed some of the stool samples revealed the presence of norovirus — the most common cause of gastroenteritis. The virus is transmitted from person to person, by consuming contaminated food or water, or by contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.

Mrs Derbyshire requested the subsequent food hygiene report from the council under the Freedom of Information Act.

"I was astounded by the report," she said. "I think it is in the public interest."

The report, from October last year, found creme fraiche in a fridge at 11.6C, broken fridge door seals and no training certificates available for food handlers, among other things.

"Foods which are high risk and will not support for the growth of food poisoning bacteria and/or toxins must not be stored above 8C," said the report, adding that food handlers must notify their manager if they are suffering from any condition such as vomiting, diarrhoea or sores.

Fairyhill's Mr Davies said: "We were obviously very upset by the report and immediately implemented steps to put all the matters mentioned right.

"Structural works have been carried out and where necessary new equipment purchased. All staff have been through more/repeat hygiene training and have all gained the relevant certificates. Staff training has always taken place and is ongoing. We have never been complacent about hygiene and would like to think that our next report will show us in a different light."

Mr Derbyshire said he was shocked by Fairyhill's hygiene report. "To get one out of five — it's one step up from the worst," he said.

richard.youle@swwmedia.co.uk