Love blossoms in later life as Len marries his girl next door
He was a bit worried about getting down on one knee, but that didn't stop 81-year-old Len Hill from asking his beloved Pep for her hand in marriage.
The two met in a sheltered housing scheme eight years ago and have just tied the knot surrounded by their family and friends.
Proving you're never too old for a bit of romance, the pair travelled by limousine to West Bromwich registry office before enjoying a Champagne-filled reception and booking a Mediterranean cruise honeymoon.
"It was a beautiful day all round," says grandfather-of-two Len. "The ceremony was perfect and we had a great time back at the reception with everyone. We couldn't have asked for a better day.
"Pep and I have been friends for years and, after both our partners passed away, we found support in one another.
"We are getting on very well, and we are doing our own thing. We are looking after each other and we're both really happy together."
Both Len and 79-year-old Pep already have 102 years of marriage under their belts between them.
Retired power press setter Len moved into Oldbury's St David's Court, in Birmingham Street, with his late first wife, Rita eight years ago. Pep, a former catering assistant at the University of Wolverhampton, had lived in the flat next door since 2002.
Pep, whose husband Ronald died 11 years ago after 48 years of marriage, helped Len come to terms with his loss when Rita passed away three years ago. They formed a bond that blossomed into a relationship and then moved in together.
"It sort of just happened," said Pep, who was born and raised in Walsall. "His daughter Sharon said 'I don't know why you don't get married' after I had moved in with him.
"Then afterwards he said 'well, would you like to get married', I said yes and that was it."
Len, who was born in Great Bridge but raised in West Brom, said his main worry about proposing was getting down on one knee. The pair got married April 12 and Len has even decorated the flat to his new wife's specifications.
It is the first time that there has been a wedding reception held at St David's, which is managed by Jephson Homes Housing Association.
Manager Amanda Hall said: "We were really happy that Len and Pep chose to celebrate their marriage here at St David's. Everyone had a great day and we wish them all the happiness in the future."
Sue Shirt, Jephson's regional director for the Midlands, added: "We are delighted that Len and Pep found love at one of our schemes. Not only does our housing for older people provide secure, convenient homes , it also provides residents with a good social environment and communal facilities where they have the opportunity to meet new people."
Among those joining the celebrations was Len's daughter Sharon, who also works at Jephson, and Pep's daughter Mitch Hubbard.
Sharon said: "I'm really happy that my dad and Pep have found each other at this time of life. It's great to see them happy and they are a testament to the fact that you're never too old to find love.
"All the guests really enjoyed the day and holding the reception at St David's was a lovely way to show how much the scheme means to the couple."
