Father again at the age of 72

A 72-year-old who is Britain's oldest dad of twins is to become a father again bringing his brood to a total of 13.

Delighted Richard Roden and wife Lisa who at 26 is 46 years his junior today announced they are expecting their third child together in January.

The couple, from Peake Crescent, Brownhills, hit the headlines last year after having twins Emily and Ruby, now aged 16 months.

Ex-welder Mr Roden, who has children from two other marriages, said today: "I'm overjoyed. I always said I'd have another. Being a dad at 72 is definitely more tiring than in my 20s, but it gives me such a lot of pleasure.

"It just goes to show that being in love and growing your own root vegetables keeps you fit and healthy."

Lisa added: "We were amazed when I fell pregnant again. We always wanted another baby. Richard seems 20 years younger now. The twins and this baby are proof of our love a love that has defied the age gap, and the gossips too."

The couple met during a course at Brownhills Library in 2006 and their relationship blossomed despite disapproval from relatives.

They started trying for a baby at the beginning of 2007 and married at Cannock Register Office last year. They suffered two miscarriages until Lisa discovered she was pregnant with twins.

They were born in January last year at Walsall Manor Hospital, Emily weighing 5lb 5oz and Ruby 4lb 6oz. Lisa, who moved from Birmingham six years ago, has an eight-year-old daughter Bethany from a previous relationship.

Mr Roden has been married twice before and has 10 children from previous relationships, the oldest of which is 52. He is often mistaken as the twins' grandfather.

Lisa, a full-time mother, said: "Richard and I are soulmates - there is a big age gap, but he's a great dad."