The wedding celebrations of Liz Hurley and Arun Nayar failed to bring the sleepy Cotswolds town of Winchcombe to a standstill, as had been predicted.

All roads remained firmly open, crush barriers were markedly absent and the police presence amounted to a total of four officers as the well-wishers for the film star's nuptials were outnumbered by the media waiting for a glimpse of someone famous.

By early evening the sightings of a reportedly sparkling guest list amounted to a glimpse of a tracksuit-clad Sir Elton John disembarking from a purple helicopter.

There was some sense of anticlimax as it became clear that the couple had in fact got married secretly on Friday, at a low-key ceremony. Ms Hurley, 41, and her new husband were married in a civil service in a licensed room, a spokeswoman for Gloucestershire County Council confirmed today.

The former Hollywood actress had wanted to keep yesterday's arrangements secret.

The Reverend John Partington, vicar for Winchcombe, who led tonight's "celebration" of the marriage at the castle, said: "I gathered they were very excited."

As teams of security guards surrounded a huge marquee in the Gloucestershire castle venue, shops and restaurants in the town displayed good luck signs, put out balloons and messages of goodwill for Liz and Indian businessman Arun Nayar... then carried on as normal.

Inspector Eric Sherwood from Gloucestershire police reassured residents who might be fearing a last-minute rush of celebrity hunters: "In order to minimise the possible effects on residents we will be providing two officers who will respond to and deal with any incident, thereby ensuring that all persons using the town of Winchcombe are able to go about their lawful business with the minimum of disruption."

Some businesses were disappointed their services were not called upon for the wedding, but Rachel Jones, a hairdresser at the Cat's Whiskers salon insisted the town had been "overwhelmed with excitement".

Ms Jones said: "I have been on the look out for Hugh Grant - he's my favourite. There are rumours his car has been seen in the village today but no one I have spoken to have seen a thing.

"I wish some of the guests had come in here for a haircut. I think I could do a really good job for Liz."

Peter Austen, landlord of the Wine and Sausage bar and restaurant said his eight bed hotel was fully booked with Ms Hurley's guests. His contribution to the occasion was the addition of a special dish of curried sausages to his menu.

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