AN EFFORT to slash car pollution has led to a couple being more than just eco-friendly.

Only three years after Jonathan Abbott, 31, and Debbie Hudson, 34, arranged a car share to get them to their workplaces, the couple are married.

They marked their first Mother's Day yesterday with their three-week-old son, Oliver James.

The couple, from Albermarle Road, South Bank, York, lived opposite each other in the street.

They recognised each other from their workplaces in different stores in the McArthurGlen designer outlet at Fulford, York.

Jonathan said: "It really started when there was a fire alarm at the store and everybody went to a sandwich bar in Fulford until it was over.

"Debbie came over to me and said she recognised me because I lived in her street. I had actually seen her driving from her mum and dad's house in Albermarle Road to work before. We got talking and arranged to drive into work together.

"A couple of months after that, one thing had led to another and we had started seeing each other."

According to McArthurGlen manager Norma Middlemiss, their success in love has started a travel revolution.

"It's sparked off a trend and now there seem to be several staff who are rethinking their travel arrangements," she said.

"The centre is keen to encourage staff and shoppers to do their bit for the environment, but we never imagined it could have such a romantic twist."

Jonathan said: "It was pure coincidence that we met.

"If we hadn't lived in the same street and worked at the same place, it would never have happened. "

"We're all thrilled for Debbie, Jonathan and Oliver and wish them all well," said Mrs Middlemiss.

Updated: 11:54 Monday, March 11, 2002