Teenage lovers marry after 34 years

A couple forced to break their engagement as teenagers more than three decades ago have finally got back together and married.

Gary Matthew and Dee Mair were 16-year-olds in 1975 when their families opposed their plans to get married.

But this time, when Gary asked for permission, Dee's father said yes.

"He agreed we were finally old enough," said Gary.

The couple, now both 50 and grandparents, got back in touch in August last year when Dee left a note on the Friends Reunited website searching for former schoolmates.

They agreed to meet in a bar, but did not recognise each other until Gary called Dee's mobile and found her sitting near him.

He said: "It was like all the years were swept away. We hugged and laughed and shed a couple of tears. It was as if we'd never been apart."

Gary finally married Dee in Weybridge, Surrey, close to Woking's Sir Winstorn Churchill school where they would hold hands at the back of the classroom.

"But when the moment came to ask her Dad for her hand all over again, I have to admit I remembered just how I felt as a 16-year-old kid," he said.

Both are divorced with two sons each.

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