AFTER a 22-year engagement a Weymouth couple have finally tied the knot.

Alan Fisher 58, and Anne Moorse 60, married almost a quarter of a century after they met.

The bride's daughter, Sarah Easby, said: "They just never got round to it. Several of us bought several outfits because we thought it was going to happen and it never did.

"Mum turned 60 this year and they thought What the heck, lets go for it.'"

Another incentive for the couple to have their big day is that Mr Fisher is currently undergoing cancer treatment at Dorset County Hospital.

Sarah said: "My father is not well, he fought stomach cancer and has had 95 per cent of his stomach removed, but it's come back to his liver. If anything that was a reason that pushed them to get married."

She added that it nearly didn't happen: "Alan was poorly the week before and we thought it might have to be cancelled, but luckily he took a turn for the better."

The couple met over newspaper deliveries when Ms Moorse ran a guesthouse in Lennox Street and Mr Fisher was her local newsagent.

Sarah said: "I guess you could say they met over the Dorset Echo."

They bought a business in Devon but came back to Weymouth in 1993.

On their return they bought Clements Newsagents in Buxton Road and worked together behind the shop counter until retiring three years ago.

The couple also bought the old newsagents in Merley Road, which they converted into two houses, where they still live.

Mr Fisher has two sons from his first marriage, John, 39, and Neil, 35, and his new wife has two daughters - Sarah, 39, and Karen Fairholm, 37. Together they have nine grandchildren and the whole family has stayed in the town.

Sarah added: "Alan is a dad to me, we're very close. He gave me my first job when I was 12, before he and mum were even together."

The Fishers' civil wedding was held at Burley Manor Hotel in the New Forest.

Sarah said: "It was chosen because it was so tranquil, a place where all the grandchildren could run around and be safe."

It was a family affair and the bride was attended by her two daughters and her sister Lucy Mustafa, the bridegroom's brother Keith was best man, and the bride's mother Margaret Kite of Rodwell Avenue arranged the table decorations.

Sarah said: "Mum wanted something different, she didn't want flowers on the tables so she had feathers in cream, brown and gold and it really did look lovely, her mother who is not yet 80 did it all."

She added: "It was fabulous, a really lovely day. The best man gave quite a funny speech but it was a quiet, low-key affair, just what they wanted".

Dressed in an ivory two-piece suit, the bride carried a bouquet of cream and gold roses.

The newlyweds stayed on at the hotel for a four-day honeymoon.