WHEN the time has come to travel on buses for free and draw a state pension, marriage is usually the furthest from people's minds.

But Peter Padmore, 73, and Diana Calder, 69, of Kirkbymoorside, will embark on a new life together when they tie the knot at St Chad's Catholic Church next month.

It will be the first time retired teacher Diana has taken her vows and Peter, who was widowed more than two years ago, thought he would never find love again when his first wife passed away.

But it wasn't until Peter was looking for a new home that the pair, who are both members of St Chad's choir, struck up a friendship which over time blossomed into romance.

Diana, who lives in Howe End, said: "It was a bit of a shock to both of us, really, neither of us was looking for that sort of relationship. We had known each other from the church choir but it wasn't until Peter knocked on my door looking for a house for sale in town that we became friends.

"He put an offer in on my property and after spending time with each other, cooking and going to restaurants, we grew quite close."

As their friendship grew, they realised they were "becoming a bit of an item" and during a trip to Italy with another friend, they decided to get hitched.

After losing his first wife, Peter thought his life was drawing to a close, but now he says he has been granted a fresh start.

"When my wife died I thought I had five years left at the most," added Peter, of Piercy End.

"Now I feel I have got double that and more and it's wonderful to think we are going to share the rest of our lives together. It just goes to show you can find love at any age, you don't need to be a youngster."

The couple both live in the centre of town and will walk to church for the ceremony on February 16, with a parade of family and friends.

"I'm sure it will be quite a spectacle," said Diana. "It's going to be a wonderful day."