A COUPLE who met at sheltered accommodation in Poole tied the knot in front of family and friends yesterday.

Douglas Marks, 86, and Sheila Banks, 81, became friends at Melton Court in Lindsay Road.

But they soon realised they had fallen in love with each other, and announced their engagement earlier this year.

Douglas, who is originally from Hampshire, said: “We both moved into sheltered accommodation, and that’s how we met.

“We were initially friends, and then we fell in love, and here we are - Mr and Mrs.”

The two celebrated their union at the Harbour Heights Hotel in Sandbanks.

Asked how he had proposed to his new wife, Douglas said: “It wasn’t on bended knee because I can’t kneel.

“We decided together that we’d like to marry.

“When you’re on your own, life can be really lonely.

“It’s wonderful to have a partner.”

He said the secret to a successful marriage is “being happy together”.

“It’s when you have a yearning feeling for another,” he added.

Sheila, who previously lived in Staffordshire, said: “I liked his company and he liked mine, fortunately.

“We just enjoy being together.”

The couple, who enjoy cruises, will honeymoon in the Mediterranean next month.

“We like to travel and we’d go anywhere together,” said Sheila.

Douglas added: “We’ve been to the West Indies, Cape Town and Singapore.

“In early October we’ll fly to Venice and spend a couple of days there before heading off on a ship for four weeks.

“We’ll be heading off round the Med and end up in Seville.

“We’ve created many happy memories together.

“We are just very happy being together.”

Both Douglas and Sheila are directors of the board at Melton Court.

Manager Fiona Smith said: “This is what retirement should be like - a second chance for happiness.

“We endeavour to support and care for our owners, so they’re able to live the happiest lives possible.

“It’s a privilege to care for and support people in the evening of their lives.

“Our staff all work together to make each day special, happy and memorable.”