PROVING that true love can happen more than once in a lifetime, love birds Joan and Ted Wright tied the knot yesterday – making them Britain’s oldest newlyweds.

Ted, 90 and Joan, 81, who live in Covingham, first locked eyes 15 years ago when they were on holiday as part of a retirement group set up for former WH Smith employees.

Having both been widowed, the pair didn’t know where their romance would lead.

But yesterday, the doting couple vowed to love, honour and support one another in their life ahead as they said ‘I do’ at the Registry Office.

Admitting that he was nervous before the ceremony, Ted said afterwards: “I feel so happy and excited because the ceremony went so well. She’s just beautiful.

“I thought we have been together for so many years and Joan wanted to become Mrs Wright and so did I that is why I asked [her to marry me].

“Everyone has been so good to us.”

Not one to stick to tradition, Ted didn’t get down on one knee to surprise Joan with a proposal but instead announced the news in front of her family - much to her amazement.

Many attended the endearing ceremony yesterday afternoon – with dozens more planning on making an appearance at a special party today (Jan 20) at the Coleview Community Centre.

Joan gracefully walked down the aisle to Second Time Around by Frank Sinatra and following the vows, she said she was thrilled that she finally married her Mr Wright.

Joan added: “Today has been a very special day and we have wanted to get married for a long time so it is absolutely wonderful.

“I have always wanted to marry Ted and he popped the question one day when we went to see my niece – I didn’t know it was going to happen but I was very happy when he said.”

Joan’s son Mick proudly gave away his mum to Ted and said: “Today has been brilliant and I’m chuffed to bits they’ve got married. Ted is a top bloke and the two of them are so popular with a cracking circle of friends.

“Ted’s family have always treated me like I’ve always been a part of it and the same with mum so it is great to see them today.”

As well as swapping the traditional proposal, the couple will also be swapping a romantic honeymoon for what they describe as a ‘funnymoon’ inviting along their 50 closest friends to Hayling Island on Monday.

Their story has caught the attention of not only national media, many of whom were present at the wedding, but it is also understood that Ted and Joan could make it into the Guinness World Records book for being Britain’s oldest newlyweds.