LONG-standing Bournemouth councillor and former Mayor Ron Whittaker has tied the knot with partner Jackie Conway.

The couple, who have been together for more than 20 years, finally made it official by getting married at Bournemouth Register Office last month.

Their wedding was witnessed by Jackie’s sister and Ron’s sister and brother-in-law and was followed by a celebratory lunch at the Miramar Hotel.

Cllr Whittaker an independent councillor who represents Throop and Muscliff, has been undergoing chemotherapy for Myelodysplastic syndrome – a blood disorder that causes a drop in the number of healthy blood cells.

The 69-year-old was diagnosed shortly before Christmas.

He has been in and out of hospital ever since.

Cllr Whittaker is currently on a two-week break from treatment and is taking the opportunity to continue with his council work.

He said: “I’m gradually getting some energy back now.

“It has been a very difficult time but I have to say I have had superb care from staff at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.”

Cllr Whittaker has represented the area continually since 1971.

He was Mayor of Bournemouth in 1993/94 and met Jackie during his Mayoral year.

Jackie, 56, said: “We’ve been together for over 20 years so we thought it was about time to make it official.

“We’d always kicked the idea around and decided the time was right now.

“It was very low-key but all came together perfectly, the weather was wonderful and we had a lovely time.”