Roy and Val Worthington from Castle Donington in Leicestershire held the party in the Moira Arms on Saturday.

Mrs Worthington said she phoned Leicestershire Police in November to warn them about the themed party and that some guests may have toy weapons.

A police spokesperson said all reports of firearms had to be taken seriously.

'We have to treat all reports of firearms as genuine and respond to them accordingly,' the spokesperson said.

Mr Worthington said he was concerned about how much the armed response had cost when about three police cars turned up and a helicopter was circling above the pub.

'It was a waste of money to me. Obviously they didn't know what was going on, we didn't know what was going on, we were all dressed up in our costumes and it was just a bit of fun.'

Mrs Worthington added: 'I telephoned the police in November to say we were having this themed party and just didn't think any more about it.

'It was a little bit over the top with the helicopter.'

Leicestershire Police declined to comment on the cost of the operation.

 
Editor: Just a touch embarassing!