A COUPLE who have been together for almost 40 years have finally said 'I do' in front of their nearest and dearest.

Julie Werry, 57, a retired licensee, and Philip James Tuck, 73, a former landlord of The Piel Castle and The Farmers Arms, have tied the knot in a 'magical' ceremony alongside their friends and family.

The newlyweds first locked eyes 38 years ago when Julie was a regular visitor to her husband's Ulverston pub, The Piel Castle.

Mrs Tuck said: "My family used to go into the pub all the time.

"Then one night, Phil walked me back home and we ended up talking for hours.

"It just clicked from there and we never looked back."

The pair almost become snowed in whilst enjoying lunch on their first date.

"I think we went for lunch at The Clarke's Hotel and very nearly became snowed in.

"It was in the thick of winter and was a very eventful drive home for us."

Despite popping the question several times over the decades, the couple did not officially say 'I do' until last month.

Mr Tuck said: "I'd asked three or four times in a non-serious way.

"We'd talked about it several times over the years but neither of us were too fussed.

"Earlier this year it was mentioned and I said well we better do it soon because I'm getting on.

"Julie found a spare date at the Olde Mill in Bardsea for the big day so we actually booked that before announcing our engagement.

"We didn't feel any pressure from anyone - a lot of people already thought we were married."

The couple, who have a 29-year-old daughter called Alex together, finally decided it was time on November 30.

They tied the knot at the Olde Mill in Bardsea in front of 68 people, with a further 40 people joining them for the evening celebrations.

Mrs Tuck said: "The owner, Helen Barlow, decorated the whole ceremony room.

"I saw it for the first time when I walked in and it was absolutely magical.

"My sister-in-law also handmade all the centrepieces an table decorations which were amazing. "

"It was everything we could have wanted and more.

"Our daughter, Alex, gave me away, Phil's son, Russ, was the best man and our granddaughter, Avalon, was bridesmaid.

"It was lovely to have the family contribute to the day so much."

The couple are planning a honeymoon to Sri Lanka in March next year. All photography is by Clare Gelderd, you can find her services here: www.claregelderdphotography.co.uk.