A couple in their seventies, who met at an Age UK day centre, have tied the knot after falling in love.

Joseph Newton, 74 and Margarite Robertson, 72, were married at St Mary’s Church, Westfield last Saturday, after finding friendship and love when they were paired up by staff for a quiz.

Mr and Mrs Newton had a reception after the wedding at Workington’s Royal British Legion.

After knowing each other for 12 months Mr Newton got down on one knee and proposed to Mrs Newton on her birthday. Mrs Newton said: “It was outside a jewellers shop. He asked if I would make him the happiest man in the world and be his wife. I said yes, yes, yes.”

Staff at Age UK West Cumbria arranged a surprise wedding reception at the new Age UK day support and activities room, Bradbury Independent Living Centre, Workington, yesterday.

The room was set up for a wedding reception with a top table, guest tables, music, balloons, wedding cake, decorations, alcohol free fizz and a meal.

Judith Irving, from Age UK West Cumbria, said: “It was a surprise. They didn’t know we were going to go to this extent. It’s been a joy to watch them. It was exciting when they got engaged.”

Mr Newton said: “We didn’t think they were going to do this, it’s taken us absolutely by surprise. They’ve certainly done us proud. We don’t know how long we’ve got, we get on well with each other, we’ve both got good families and they accepted it, everyone’s been very supportive.”

In fact Mrs Newton’s son, William, gave her away on the day and both of her daughters, Veronica and Frances were bridesmaids. Other family members at the wedding included Mrs Newton’s son George and Joseph’s sons John, Paul and daughter Joanne. Between them the pair have 10 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Mr Newton said: “We’re very independent, but we’ll be looking after each other from now on - there won’t be a cross word said. We’re like an apex holding each other up.”

The couple plan to honeymoon in Jersey in September and will travel extensively, taking day trips and nights away.