Britain’s oldest newlyweds proved they are still young at heart by tying the knot – with a combined age of 187 YEARS.
Romantic Sid Ratcliffe, 97, and Iris Law, 90, met at a BUS STOP in 2001 but finally got hitched after a six week engagement.
After years of Sid trying to cajole Iris into letting him put a ring on her finger, she finally agreed last month.
The couple, from Compton, Wolverhampton, were previously both widowed but were surrounded by friends and family when the couple finally said “I do” at Wolverhampton Register Office on Wednesday (11/12).
Blushing bride Iris, who has five children, nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, said she it was never too late to get married.
The retired secretary said: “It was a beautiful day. I loved all of it. I met him at a bus stop and he swept me off my feet. It’s definitely never too late – it’s love.
“We lived opposite each other so we got the same bus together and it was love at first sight.
“Sid was just so funny and was very strong, I like that in a man.
“I don’t want to be rude but there was plenty of love then. Now we have to be more careful but still share one bed.
“Now we are just going to enjoy each day and I will look after him and he will look after me.
“We like to sit and hold hands a lot. We don’t talk so much now as we get older.”
Sid, who has two sons, one of whom has died, three grandchildren and three great grandchildren, asked for the registrar to speak up during the service.
He said “yes I certainly do” even before he was asked if he would agree to marry Iris.
Afterward the touching ceremony the former Chubb tool room supervisor said: “It’s been a lovely day. We’re very happy.”
They then celebrated their marriage with a small gathering back at their bungalow.
The couple are keen travellers and have been to Majorca and New York together among their trips – the latter for Sid’s 90th birthday. They love watching snooker and the soaps on TV.
Iris’ daughter Pam James, 54, an ex-civil servant, said: “Everyone’s just so happy for them.
“It has been on the cards a while and they have thought about it but they weren’t quite sure how to go about it. They weren’t even sure if they were too old.
“They did nearly get married seven years ago but it didn’t go ahead.
“They are an inspiration to be like me and my friends who might get divorced early because we know it means we can find love later in life. They are just like young lovers.
“Being together has definitely lengthened their lives because they are so happy.”
So sweet~