A couple in their eighties have proved it is never too late for love to blossom after marrying in front of friends and family.

John Plommer, 86, and never-before-married Phyllis Cook, 85, tied the knot at a small ceremony in St Mildred’s Church, Canterbury, on Friday.

The pair have only known each other a year, having met when they moved into Mulberry Court retirement housing on the same day last June.

Their romance began when John felt lonely at Christmas, less than a year after losing his second wife.

He went to see his friend Phyllis, who lost her long-term fiancee in 2008, and asked her if she would like to join him for Boxing Day lunch.

Undeniably there was a spark as a second date was arranged just hours later... with Phyllis inviting John to join her for Boxing Day tea.

By February they were engaged and their marriage took place in front of 23 guests, including Phyllis’ sister Yvonne Lane, who flew over from Canada for the occasion.

John said: “We saw in the new year together and from there she has spent most of the daylight hours with me in my flat.

“I hope our marriage will bring friendship, happiness and companionship.”

John lived in Chestfield before he moved to Mulberry Court and was a farmer in Selling during his working life.

Phyllis’s family moved to the Canterbury area when she was a child, with her father posted in the city in the army.

She says her career has seen her “doing all sorts” before she ended up working in the office for social housing repairs company Mears in Hersden.

She said they could not have wished for a better day.

“It didn’t rain for a start and it was a nice service,” said Phyllis.

“We had as many friends there as we could get in the church.

“John helps me remember things. We just help each other.”

“I just feel really pleased for them. When John came here, he said ‘do you think I’ll find my third wife here?’ " - Mulberry Court manager Rosemary Berger

Among the guests was John’s son Geoff, 48, of Underwood Close, along with his wife Diane and their children Damien and Kyle.

He said: “It has been a lovely day for us.

“We were thrilled when we heard the news. It is nice for them to have companionship.

“Dad said she was the best Christmas present he has ever had.”

Mulberry Court manager Rosemary Berger said: “This is the first wedding we have had and it has been brilliant.

“I just feel really pleased for them. When John came here, he said ‘do you think I’ll find my third wife here?’

“They have found happiness, which is wonderful.”

John and Phyllis set off on their honeymoon this week, spending five days in Wales.