Pensioners Percy Howarth and Irene Wright never imagined they would find love again after losing their respective partners and moving into a Bradford rest home.

But cupid struck when Irene moved into Heaton Grange Rest Home in Toller Lane in February - and Percy proposed days later on Valentine's Day.

Irene, 84, said: "We just got chatting and realised we had things in common. I thought; 'if there's fellas like him in here, I should have moved in sooner!'

"It was love at first sight. He's very thoughtful and romantic and I love him very much. When he proposed, I said yes straight away. If you keep each other company I don't think it matters how old you are when you get married."

Percy, 74, added: "Irene is a very genuine person and that's what first attracted me to her. She's a grand lass!"

Originally from Lower Grange in Bradford, Percy has lived at the home since last November and has six children from his first marriage to his late wife wife Olive. In his youth he was a sign erector for local company Sheldon's Signs.

Irene, originally from Haworth Road, was married to husband Arthur, who died 11 years ago. She worked as a knitter at Lister's Mill for a while before looking after children at a nursery for 25 years.

The pair grew up in the same area of the city and even went to the same secondary school in Drummond Road, but never met before moving into the home.

On their big day, Irene will wear a pale green dress and jacket and Arthur will wear a navy coat and trousers.

Irene's son Christpher Wright, 55, of Fairweather Green, said the news came as a bit of a shock. "We were a bit surprised but I'm not against it," he said. "Percy is a really nice person. If it makes them happy, then that's the main thing."

Susan Miller, who runs the home with husband Robert, is to prepare the catering for the couple's reception at the home, with the help of Irene's sister-in-law, Margaret.

Mrs Miller said: "From day one they hit it off and have really fallen in love."

She said that when Percy proposed to Irene, care home staff prepared them a Valentine meal. "We made them a Valentine supper with toast cut into love hearts and heart-shaped Jammy Dodgers," said Mrs Miller.

The couple are to tie the knot at Bradford Register Office on Saturday. They will have a reception at the care home and honeymoon in Blackpool, paid for by rest home staff. They will be taken by Mr and Mrs Miller who celebrate their 23rd wedding anniversary the day after the wedding - on September 10.