Dove is in the air: Couples release 100 of the white birds to mark their joint wedding…but are horrified to see locals round them up to eat

It was supposed to be romantic - 100 white doves launched into the air would provide a stunning backdrop to five Chinese couples' cherished wedding photographs.

But the newlyweds were left horrified when, instead of flying off into the sunset, the hapless birds ended up being captured by guests who took them home to eat.

In all five couples brought about 100 doves between them to the wedding venue at Hefei, Anhui province, central China.

In a flap: Guests round up some of the 100 doves released at a Chinese couple's wedding to take home and eat

After failing to fly away, the birds were left flapping and cooing around the newlyweds as photographers caught the entire incident on camera.

After the snaps were taken, the doves were caught by hungry guests determined not to let a free meal flutter away.

Local Yen Lin said: 'After the couples went to a local hotel for wedding feasts, the other guests and a few locals moved in.

Two for the pot: A man holds two of the doves at the wedding venue in Hefei, Anhui province, central China

Free for all: Rather than flying off into the sunset the hapless birds fluttered around the wedding venue where they were snapped up by the guests

'With nets and their hands they caught the birds, bashed them over the heads and took them home to cook.'

'It was sick to watch. They were ruthless. the doves tried to flee but they had no chance. Those people were determined to get a good meal.'

Virtually all the doves ended up in the pot.



The couples had planned to release the doves to create a stunning backdrop for their wedding photos